Darts player Bobby George loved Suffolk pub's sandwiches

Elton Baker, 47, publican at the Pickerel Inn in Stowmarket, said business was good in spite of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. 

Having previously worked in the building trade, he took on the pub, which dates back to 1565, in November 2002 and said in some respects the difficulties in the economy had provided some benefits for his pub. 

“It is pretty good so far because sometimes when there’s doom and gloom in the country it brings people out for a drink,” he said. 

However, he tried to keep his prices low so he could compete with the town’s Wetherspoons pub, the Willow Tree. 

He said the pub had received Government support during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the rise in energy prices had placed an extra strain. 

Elton Baker with landlady Jasmine Chima inside the Pickerel Inn (Image: Jasmine Chima)

One of the highlights of his time in charge of the pub, which he runs with landlady Jasmine Chima, was the visit of professional darts player Bobby George, a two-time BDO World Darts Championship finalist. 

George was visiting Suffolk as part of a PDC tour, when he also played in Felixstowe and he recalled how the Londoner took a particular liking to the pub’s prawn sandwiches, saying they ‘tasted nice boy’. 

Mr Baker said the pub benefits from having pool and darts tables, which draw in customers for pool and darts nights. 

He added: “I love my darts so it will always be a particular memory when Bobby George visited to play darts. He was visiting the area and played in Felixstowe and he came to the pub with his son during the PDC tour.” 

He said staff at the pub always tried to build a good rapport with customers. 

“We have never shied away from giving advice. We are very personable with the customers and we try to help people out. We have done a lot of fundraising over the years for different charities,” Mr Baker added.