We are inspired by our local businesses who pivot in the face of adversity. We hear their stories time and again, how COVID-19 has forced companies to adapt, and to do it quickly in order to survive. Some have had to change their service models, redesign their products, or even create new ones to meet the changing needs of their customers. 

It is even more extraordinary and important to celebrate the wins when they happen in a pandemic, which is why we are shouting about A Hoppy Place, named SWM CAMRA Pub of the Year, 2021 and SIBA UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Retailer - Single, 2021. 

Run by Dave and Naomi Hayward and Naomi’s brother Jason, A Hoppy Place is an independent, family owned and operated bottle shop and tasting room. During the pandemic, Dave, who has a full-time job as an IT consultant, set up an e-commerce website, and within days of the first national lockdown, customers could order over 200 beers online.

What A Hoppy Place has done so brilliantly is create an online community that mirrors its offline presence: they offered digital tastings, local delivery (and shipping across the country) generating a cadre of loyal beer lovers who stayed connected throughout multiple lockdowns. 

Dave himself has provided local delivery of beer boxes ordered online throughout the pandemic and has noted that those five minute socially distanced doorstop chats were uplifting and an unexpected and welcome benefit to creating a strong community bond with A Hoppy Place’s customers. We are inspired by this independent’s ability to adapt and use technology to provide its customers with award-winning beer.

We all know that lockdown has been exceedingly difficult on small businesses. However, we believe that A Hoppy Place is one of the reasons why our economy and our high streets will bounce back. It is in part due to the ingenuity and the resilience of our small, independent businesses who create digital ecosystems like A Hoppy Place. But it should be acknowledged that we all must continue to support them as a country, as individuals, and as a community in order for our businesses and our high streets to thrive. 

Congratulations, A Hoppy Place.

Everything you need to know right here 

A Hoppy Place is open for Take Away, Delivery, Local Delivery and Nationwide Delivery: https://ahoppyplace.co.uk/#new 

Book here for reopening on 13 April: https://ahoppyplace.co.uk/book-online/

Like and Share on Social: https://twitter.com/ahoppyplace

Sign up to their mailing list: https://ahoppyplace.co.uk/sign-up-to-our-mailing-list/ 

Get in touch: https://ahoppyplace.co.uk/contact-and-finding-us/ 

Do you have a lockdown success story to share?

Download our case study template and email it to us at OurRoyalBorough@gmail.com.