Pupils at Hillesley Primary School enjoy pub lunches for their school dinners (From Gazette Series)

Pupils at Hillesley Primary School enjoy pub lunches for their school dinners

2:09pm Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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PUPILS at one lucky primary school are enjoying pub lunches for their school dinners in an innovative community-based scheme.

Hot school meals are back on the menu at Hillesley Primary School thanks to the new landlord at the local pub.

Simon Stevens, who has 18 years' experience as a trained chef, took over The Fleece Inn in September and last month he agreed to provide school dinners for the primary school.

Now pupils get delicious, freshly cooked meals every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday brought down from the pub’s kitchen just up the road to their eating hall in hot trays.

So far it has been a huge success with both children and parents alike.

Jill Brookes, head teacher at the school, said: "Parents had said to us that they would like school meals again and we were keen to provide that facility. But it is doubly lovely that we are working with the pub, it is one element of the community supporting another.

"We do see the benefit in the children and the parents really like it, they have all been really positive."

And the children agree. Jake Mason, age 10, said: "The meals are really tasty, I like having a hot meal for my lunch."

Eight-year-old Dominic Barton, said: "Most of the meals are really nice, my favourite so far is lasagne."

Mr Stevens, a father-of-four, said he was pleased to help the local school.

"A lot of parents come to drink and eat at the pub and people had mentioned that the school had no one to make hot meals," he said. "I just thought, if it is going to help out the school then I’m happy to do it.

"It is good hearty food, made fresh each day."

Children have enjoyed meals including toad-in-the-hole, roast beef, fish pie and sausage casserole and even get a homemade dessert to top it off.

"I would say 80 per cent of the children have taken up the meals, which is excellent," added Mrs Brookes. "We are just so pleased that it has worked and appreciate the pub for offering the service."