A Kendal pub has installed 50 solar panels on its roof to help cut costs and protect the planet.
Chris Moss and Josh Macaulay, directors of Ye Olde Fleece Inn at Highgate, have installed the system at a cost of around £30,000.
Chris said: “It was something we were very keen to do for several reasons. Obviously it will help the efficiency of the business and reduce costs.
“But we are also acutely aware that pubs use a lot of energy in cooling beer and generally running the establishment and, as responsible business owners and with all the issues surrounding energy and global warming, we need to be seen to be doing the right thing.
“This is especially important as we employ a lot of young people and they need to be able to look up to business owners and see that the businesses are being run in the right and proper way.”
The panels, which have begun to supply around 25 kilowatts of energy this week, are facing south on the roof of Ye Olde Fleece Inn.
Chris said: “It has been a long process, working closely with Westmorland and Furness Council as the Fleece is a listed building. It is great to see the council’s forward-thinking attitude when it comes to listed buildings and sustainability.”
He added that a big review focusing on sustainability was now taking place at the duo’s other hospitality ventures in Kendal – The Gateway Inn near Plumgarths roundabout, The Duke of Cumberland at Appleby Road and Bootleggers in Market Place.
“We want to reduce our costs but also because it makes sense to do all we can to be more sustainable to help the climate,” said Chris.
“Pubs have been around for hundreds of years but times are difficult and we have to make sure they remain a cornerstone of the community.”
Ye Olde Fleece Inn at Highgate had been closed for 18 months until the site was acquired by Chris and Josh. After a nearly £1 million renovation project, it reopened for business in March 2019.
