“It’s business as usual at The Muddy Duck,” owner Gemma Harris promises. “We have no intention of closing, but The Hollow is just taking a snooze so we can take stock and see where we are.”
The Lodge – the pub side of The Muddy Duck – is doing a roaring trade, but news that The Hollow Restaurant is taking a break due to staffing issues comes as no surprise – a problem that has plagued Muddy Duck owners Gemma and Nigel Harris from the word go.
“we aren’t going anywhere and that’s the message we want to tell the locals. The village pub is still here”
Having reopened The Muddy Duck in Hethe to great fanfare in 2022 with a stunning new look see the new look here, the Hollow kitchens headed up by the revered Pierre Koffman alongside head chef Christopher Lindsay, the esteemed restaurant has now been ‘mothballed’ after months of struggling with staffing.
“Pre Covid we didn’t have a problem but there is no consistency in staffing right now and the restaurant has suffered in terms of consistency and rhythm – mainly the hours and days we are open – so we’ve taken the difficult decision to mothball it for now and take stock,” Gemma says.
Those still wanting to check out The Hollow can do so during Sunday lunch service when the pub is full to bursting
Deciding to concentrate on the pub side for now Gemma added: “We are lucky we have the option to do that, and while we’ve had busy periods in The Hollow, it’s just not the right economic landscape at the moment to roll out a concept like this, so we are shelving it for now and will see what the future brings.”
Those still wanting to check out The Hollow can do so during Sunday lunch service when the pub is full to bursting, but otherwise they will have to wait until it returns in a more certain climate.
So what’s the problem? “It’s the location. Anywhere out in the sticks is finding it hard to find the right staff.
“The Lodge is doing really well and we are looking forward to showing it some more love, changing the menus and shaping a new landscape there for the future”
“But we aren’t going anywhere and that’s the message we want to tell the locals. The village pub is still here.
The Lodge is open Wednesday-Sunday with an ever changing menu which Gemma now aims to freshen up. “The Lodge is doing really well and we are looking forward to showing it some more love, changing the menus and shaping a new landscape there for the future, she adds.”
Diners at The Lodge can enjoy the likes of the twice baked haddock souffle, marinated chicken wings or the Cobble Lane meat platter for two to start, then the shepherds pie, roast chicken, Kerala curry or fish stew and a sticky toffee pudding or banoffee cheesecake to finish.
So what would Gemma say to anyone who has stopped using their local or countryside pubs? “Get in your car or get a taxi and come and support a pub in a countryside location. They need your help. So we hope the amazing locals and our lovely regulars keep supporting us.”
Business as usual in The Lodge – Wednesday to Sunday with service running 12-2.30pm and 5.30-8.45pm, and 12-4pm on Sundays.
Tables are on a walk-in basis but a Sunday roast/meal can be enjoyed in The Hollow restaurant. Book by email quack@themuddyduckpub.co.uk or by calling 01869 278099.
