Welcome W

e’ve made it! Summer is here – we’ve survived the winter, the ‘cost of living crisis’ and the frightening spike in utility prices. Now the sunshine is beginning to make an appearance, it is time for our third edition of “In a Nutshell”.

In this edition we talk to Stephen Fry about his Norfolk heritage, we have engaged with the local art scene, found some incredible walks in the regionwhile popping into a few Chestnut pubs along the way. As always, this publication is our chance to showcase the region, its people and the assets we are so proud of.

2023 is Chestnut’s 10th year, and with age comes greater awareness and responsibility. Community engagement remains key to the rhythm of our businesses and it has been a joy to see a large number of community coffee mornings, bingo nights, pub quizzes and ‘themed evenings’ happening across all of our pubs. To further support our commitment, The Giving Tree (our charity initiative) has now raised in excess of £100k through various sponsored initiatives specifically to support local charity projects.

Our focus now turns to our environment, can we adapt and embrace new ways to operate that are both sensitive and make business sense? Chestnut is “turning over a new leaf” with regards to meaningful changes – examples being a reduction in the use of glass bottles (saving 92,100 per annum) and utilising the innovative Mbloc construction methodology to reduce concrete utilisation by 70% for lodges at The Weeping Willow (near Bury St Edmunds).

A 2022 PWC survey highlights that 83% of consumers believe that companies should be actively shaping a better environmental approach – but it also highlights 86% of employees prefer to support and work for businesses that care. We are united in our commitment to do our best, measure change and celebrate success with our guests and team. We could not be celebrating 10 years without your support – so thank you!

Philip Turner, Founder of Chestnut