Swaffham pub excites children with new Santa's Grotto

A market town pub made use of the second national lockdown closure by creating a Santa's Grotto at the venue which they are now reaping the benefits from.

The White Hart in Swaffham has decided to expand its annual Christmas Breakfast service to include the Covid-secure grotto for families and children to enjoy.

As well as Santa Claus himself, bar worker Amy Pye has been getting into the festive spirit by dressing up as a elf for the grotto, which took four weeks to create.

Landlord Kurt Oliver said: "It has been absolutely fantastic and everyone has been saying they have had a good time. There has not been a lot for the licence trade to be happy about at the moment."

The grotto started at the weekend with visitors pre-booking as 15 minute intervals are scheduled for each group. During term-time, the grotto will be open on weekends, while bookings can also be taken from 21-24 December.

Mr Oliver said the pub recognised parents are struggling to take their children to Christmas activities due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Swaffham pub's grotto is open until 6pm.

Although children are unable to sit on Santa's knee, they can still have their photos taken in front of him.

Regarding the pub's overall trade during this challenging period, Mr Oliver said the business is currently receiving half of its usual takings.

The London Street venue has continued its 'Hart to Home' delivery service, transporting home-cooked meals to those in isolation within the Swaffham area.

The Christmas Breakfast on Christmas Eve is already fully-booked.