Danish Invader landlord discusses Christmas, coronavirus and Mercury Business Awards
A pub landlord who brings hope to the community has shared the ups and downs he experienced during the past year.
Chris Needham, landlord of the Danish Invader in Empingham Road, Stamford, is wellknown in the town, not only for pulling a great pint but also for being a community hero.
And at last year’s Mercury Business Awards, few were surprised when Chris secured top spot in the business person of the year category.
But since then Chris has had to adapt his family-friendly business to operate in a world in which big events and fun days aren’t allowed.
On Friday, March 20 the kind-hearted landlord watched bar staff pour their regulars a final drinks before closing the doors for four months.
Chris, a father-of-five, said: “The place was full, we were all laughing and joking but customers left crying and little did I know - no one realised back then - how long it was going to be.
“I have never seen this place shut in 19 years so to have to close was hard.”
He added: “It was knowing we wouldn’t open in the morning, once everyone left. I was a mess.
“Normally staff lock up but I said I’m locking that night.”
While the pub was closed, Chris continued to improve it by re-decorating, as well as doing his best to help members of the community.
He said: “It was Mother’s Day the weekend everywhere closed and that’s when it hit me and I thought, I’ve got to do something about it.”
Chris, with the help of volunteers, began Sunday lunch deliveries for people in Stamford - throwing in a free desert on the first weekend.
On St George’s Day he donned a knight’s outfit for passers-by and on Easter Sunday he stepped out onto the streets of Stamford in a bunny outfit to deliver 600 chocolate eggs to children around the town.
Chris and his staff also kept in regular contact with their customers via text and video call, as well as setting up a community Facebook page.
“We had to keep moving forward just to put a smile on people’s faces,” said Chris.
“Little things like that are what we do.”
In April, Chris won the Stamford Mercury Citizen of the Week award after receiving six nominations from friends and family who admired his community spirit both in and out of lockdown.
He said: “It’s certainly been difficult but if it wasn’t for people, staff and volunteers it wouldn’t have been possible.
“It wasn’t my award - it was the business’s award and the customers’ award.
“The Danish Invader is a family and has kept me going.”
Chris added: “I like to be the back man. I don’t work the bar now, I’m busy in the office and knocking things down or building things.
“I’m a quiet person but I like the Danish Invader to be out there.
“It’s not so much about the business as more about other people.
“One of the lead things I like is to give a lot back.”
A massive part of the year for the team at the Stamford pub is Christmas, and the pandemic isn’t going to stop Chris from bringing a smile to children’s faces.
If events are unable to go ahead he plans to send his iconic Danish Invader sleigh to every street in Stamford.
The front car park and building will also be decorated so people can enjoy the festive lights from a safe distance.
“We will still be here and do our best for the community,” said Chris.
“We will try to make it as normal and fun as we can depending on the rules - there’s not much more we can do.”
But running a business, no matter how efficiently, during a pandemic isn’t easy.
“If there’s another lockdown like we had earlier this year I think that will be the end of the Danish Invader,” said Chris.
Since re-opening on ‘Super Saturday’ the pub has been operating on a 50 per cent capacity to ensure social distancing measures are followed.
The Danish Invader also has an online table delivery service and each person is given a number as they arrive so their details can be stored for track and trace.
“I want to thank people for the support,” said Chris.
“When we first opened to see all the regulars back meant a lot because I was worried people would forget about us.”
Chris is now looking to put food on the menu and also building up the Danish Invader fund which will come from money raised at charity events and be given to people in times of need.
Since taking over the pub 19 years ago Chris has seen and made many changes.
“When I first came here it was, in the nicest way possible, a man’s pub,” said Chris.
“They would have one party a month possibly two, if we took £300 in a night that was a good night.”
He added that after taking over he began to introduce new activities such as bingo nights, darts and a children’s play frame to attract people of all ages but this initially got a mixed response.
“A lot of the people didn’t want kids in the pub then all the older people who moaned started brining their grandkids.
“Now it’s the best it’s a family pub and there’s something here for everybody.
“It’s changed very much since I first came here.”
As shown by the determination of Chris and his staff there’s never been a more important time to recognise businesses that go the extra mile to support customers and the community.
Nominations are now open for the 15th Mercury Business Awards celebrating the hard-working companies in the area.
Chris said: “The awards were like being at the Oscars.
“It was the first time we have been. I don’t normally dress up in a dickie bow because I’m usually in work clothes.
“For the little old Danish Invader to be there was amazing.
“I had a great night and it would be great to go back.”
Chris and his popular pub have been nominated for Businessperson of the Year, Customer Care, Employee or Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year. He will only be allowed to select three of the above for the judges consideration.
To enter the awards visit www.mercurybusinessawards.co.uk.
