July 18th will mark a very important date for five local business people from Downham Market.
Husband and wife team Trish and David McManus, landlords at the popular Country Pub ‘The Hare Arms’, Stow Bardolph, for an impressive 40 years are “looking forward to putting our feet up” as they celebrate their upcoming retirement. But not before they pass the baton of the popular business on to new landlords.
And, in a romantic twist of fate, patrons to the pub tucked just off the busy A10 between Downham and King’s Lynn may still find familiar faces behind the taps, as a local couple who met at The Hare Arms will become the new proprietors.
Pat and Debs met while working behind the bar in 1987. Now married and current owners of busy “Palmers Restaurant” in Downham Market, Pat and Debs Palmer are getting ready for the handover of the Hare, which will take place on July 18th.
Proving that local businesses need not be rivals, Pat said “We’re really pleased to be able to take the Hare on from Trish and David. We’ve become great friends over the years, and will continue that, just from the other side of the bar!”
Lastly, to take up the reins from Pat and Deb in the Downham restaurant is another previous member of the Hare Arms bar team, Hannah Sweeney. Hannah, who will rename the venue “Sweeney’s” started at the Hare when she was 14, and now takes on Palmers after Pat and Deb’s 16 year run. Hannah said “I’m so lucky to have such great support from Trish, David, Pat and Debs and can’t wait for them all to come in for dinner!”.
