Hallmark care home opens pub for residents

Banstead Manor, which is part of Hallmark Care Homes, has opened its very own pub after a discussion with residents about what they missed most in lockdown.

The Sycamore Arms boasts a pool table, LED lights and jellyfish lava lamps to aid the visually impaired and signs encouraging residents to help wash up, collect the glasses and serve the drinks to give them an all-important sense of purpose.

It also offers meals and hosts a snooker club, darts competitions, pub quizzes and sing-a-longs.

The venue was created by team members at the home after resident Audrey Moore, 90, started a discussion with a friend about what they had missed most during lockdown.

Nina Blackman, lifestyles leader at the Surrey-based home, said: “Audrey and her friend’s conversation inspired us to recreate the atmosphere and surroundings of a traditional pub with all things post war 1950’s. A pub committee was then created with Audrey at the forefront who was also appointed as the licensee.

“We have since created a space for the residents to reminisce, socialise, be part of a group and encourage new friendships. The sheer joy on the faces of these incredible people says it all.”

Blackman added: “The cosy set up, old fashioned bar, optics and décor all depict that of an era nearly lost.

“All we need to do now is ring the bell and try and get them to go home after last orders. It’s more difficult than you might ever imagine!”

Resident Audrey said: “I am the Bet Lynch of the pub and landlady. It’s such a lovely atmosphere here it reminds me of my husband, we used to go dancing all the time and met at a dance at Hammersmith Palais.

“It’s like the good old days – mind you we never had more than two!”