A care home has opened its own pint-sized-pub for pensioners still game to enjoy their favourite tipple.
The Old London boozer comes complete with its own beer taps and wine bar which gives residents a nostalgic feeling of times gone by.
It’s hoped the pub will give dementia-sufferers a sense of familiarity and comfort – essential to their well-being and quality of life.
The Field Lodge care home in St Ives, Cambs., which is behind the idea, already has a tuck shop set in a street-type setting where residents can go and buy supplies in a familiar setting.
David Porter came up with the idea for his mother-in-law Marian Redman and her friends who reside at the care home.
He said: “Many residents used to enjoy spending time at their local pub socialising with friends.
“I hope the new space will enhance the quality of life for my mother-in-law and the other residents at Field Lodge.
“I also look forward to enjoying a pint at the pub with my family on our regular visits to the care home.”
The pub sells a selection of beers, wines and spirits including Old Speckled Hen, Boddingtons Bitter, Tangle Foot, Flowers Original, London Pride and Malibu rum – all of which are all inclusive in the care home’s fees.
Lisa Houghton, manager of the Care UK home, said: “We are delighted to have opened the doors to The Old London. It’s a great addition to Field Lodge care home and is already proving very popular with the residents.
“The new pub is very nostalgic for the residents, and for those living with dementia, this gives them a sense of familiarity and comfort which is essential to their well-being and quality of life.
To celebrate The Old London’s opening night, locals were invited to the care home in London Road for a dementia-friendly pub quiz at which Care UK chief executive Mike Parish was one of the guests.
“Like any pub you will get your frequent visitors but its going to take more time for other people to get used to it”, said customers relations manager, Toby Swallow.
“The bar is all inclusive for residents and they can have as much as they want, providing there are no problems with medication.”
“We’re erring on the side of caution”, he added.
