Snip Guille gets a ‘cauli’ nice pint from Rockmount bar manager Lyndon Evans, but a shortage of carrots means he has to take the change in toms. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0623936)
A CASTEL pub has agreed to help those who are struggling with the credit crunch – by swapping fruit and vegetables for beer. Rockmount bar manager Jonathan Jackson said he would be happy to help those who want a drink but can’t afford it.
‘But I don’t want anyone taking the mick by bringing in two apples and asking for a pint of cider,’ said Mr Jackson, known by friends as Jacko. ‘The credit crunch is affecting a lot of people and we would be able to help those who are severely affected by offering good-quality beer for good-quality produce.’
The Rockmount has been serving food and beer since the premises changed from a school to a pub shortly after the Second World War.
With the idea of exchanging quality produce for a drop or two of the golden beverage, Guernsey could see an increase in vegetable patches.
Ralph Browning has been drinking at the Rockmount for more years than he can remember.
‘I think it’s a great idea that they have said I can barter my veg for a few pints.
‘I’ve bartered all my life and the idea has been around for centuries,’ he said.
Mr Browning was looking forward to using his surplus to lower his bar tab.
‘I’ve got tomatoes, melons, courgettes, cucumbers, strawberries and other bits and pieces.
‘But it has to be a two-way system. The Rockmount won’t just be helping me, I’ll be helping it,’ said Mr Browning.
Chairman of the Guernsey Licensed Victuallers’ Association Calum Le Noury fully approved.
‘We often entertain the bartering system with our locals [at the Rocquettes]. They bring in fresh produce for use within the establishment and we offer them food or drink in return.
‘It’s a great idea and long may it continue. We need things like this to keep a sense of community spirit – it doesn’t do us any harm,’ said Mr Le Noury.
David Gorvel, who runs a farm shop, said the island seemed to be trying to revert to the old days.
‘I can remember when my father went down the pub with his surplus cabbages.
‘He didn’t come back with any money, but he certainly had a bad hangover the next day,’ he said.
Mr Gorvel recalled that pubs used to be much more involved with the local produce scene.
‘There used to be veg on sale over the counter and chancre crabs were won in a local card game which isn’t played any more.’
The Rockmount initiative follows two establishments in Norfolk being in the news for doing the same thing.
Article posted on 19th August, 2008 - 2.29pm
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