Jodie Kidd shuts pub after staff face ‘physical and verbal abuse’
Supermodel Jodie Kidd has temporarily shut her pub The Half Moon after staff allegedly faced physical and verbal abuse. She took to the pub’s Instagram to make the announcement, reminding, “we are human”.
The model, 46, opened her pub the Half Moon in Kirdford in July 2018, and has since been a staunch supporter of Britain’s hospitality sector, campaigning for the Chancellor to slash VAT in 2021.
But now Kidd, who db previously ranked one of Britains’ most famous pub landlords, has been forced to temporarily close her pub, after staff claimed they faced physical and verbal abuse in a series of incidents. A post on social media said staff have been left shaken by the incident, and need time to recover.
A post on the West Sussex pub’s Instagram read: “We’ve worked hard to create more than just a pub – we’ve built a home. A place for people to come together, enjoy good times and make memories.
“While we know we won’t be to everyone’s taste, it saddens us that in recent weeks we as a team have faced abuse – both verbal and physical.
“We would like to remind everyone that behind The Half Moon is a team of people who care deeply about what we do. We are human.”
Time to recover Another post informed punters that the venue would reopen on Thursday 25 September.
It read: “As many of you know, the work never truly stops behind the scenes, so taking some time to rest and recharge is normal. We will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week, and will reopen on Thursday 25 September at 12 Noon as normal.”
The UK hospitality sector is facing staff shortages, largely due to immigration changes and rising costs. In 2022, research from the Institute of Customer Service revealed more than half of customer-facing employees reported increased incidences of abuse since the start of the pandemic, adding to the pressures facing the sector, and deterring staff from entering the field.
And staff abuse is, obviously, a far cry from what Kidd envisioned for her pub, which serves international dishes made with local produce from the Sussex Downs inspired by Kidd’s travels around the world.
What’s on the menu?
“My wish is for it to be a home from home, somewhere vibrant, welcoming and charming. It’s a real labour of love but it’s the most gratifying thing I’ve ever done. This is the first time I’ve loved coming to work,” Kidd once told The Telegraph.
Having taken part in Celebrity MasterChef, fine food remains a priority for Kidd at the 15th century pub. On the current à la carte you’ll find the likes of pan-roast cod, Roebuck Estate herb tartar, scarps, dressed peas & mint and chips; lamb Shepherds pie with beetroot, lovage & spring onion, and tandoori cauliflower with raita, fennel & onion.
Selling local ales and craft lagers, the Grade II listed Half Moon boasts a gorgeous garden with its own vegetable patch and a large apartment above the pub that’s available to let for those keen to prolong their visit.
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