Mustard Pot landlady says VAT cut is 'game changer' for Chapel Allerton pub

The Chapel Allerton pub reopened on Saturday after being closed for 15 weeks during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Miss Storey has welcomed chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcement on Wednesday (July 8) of a VAT cut from 20 per cent to five per cent for hospitality services, which includes soft drinks and food in pubs.

Miss Storey feared mounting debts would leave her with no option but to close the pub she has run for 14 years.

In mid June she launched Crowdfunder appeal 'Help us save The Mustard Pot’, which was supported by 530 people and raised £15,100 in 20 days.

People could either donate or buy vouchers that can be used at the pub.

Miss Storey said the reopening is going well at the pub, which is currently open five-days-a-week - from Wednesday to Sunday.

Miss Storey said: "We have got loads of safety measures in place and have taken out lots of tables."

She said the majority of customers are ordering food and drinks via an app, adding: "It is completely different, but it is going well.

"Staff and customers feel they can keep a safe distance and it is manageable.

"The chancellor's announcement of five per cent VAT on food and soft drinks is a game changer. That is going to make a big difference to us.

"We will make some money so we can start to pay off some of the debts we have built up."

Speaking about the £15,100 raised via the Crowdfundfer appeal, Miss Storey said: "It is incredible. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped us get through this and get to the other side. I can't thank you enough.

"When we opened on Saturday people that did support the Crowdfunder came in.

"Everyone was saying how much the pub meant to them, from meeting on first dates, it really does mean a lot to lots of different people.

"I have pretty much never been able to see a way through this, the finances didn't stack up. Now I think it is possible. I can see it working with the VAT cut.

"It's possible that we are not going to lose more and we can start paying off some of the debts. If we carry on like we are I can see we can make it through this.

"The Crowdfunding has massively helped and the VAT cut is great."