181 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 May22354 The English pub scene is world renowned and is part of the average British person’s daily culture. This could not be truer for independent businesses in the quirky city of Norwich. We find out more from Manager, Simon Peters, in the wake of Last Pub Standing being recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022. LPS Norwich, trading as Last Pub Standing, is an exciting hybrid mix of music and food venue in the city center of Norwich. Inside the listed building is a hidden gem filled with entertainment, good drinks and soulful food. Each week the venue presents a host of everchanging entertainment ranging from live music, comedy, drag, to local community-led events. Hosted inside the pub’s kitchen is Norwich Soul Kitchen, providing locally renowned Caribbean street food, plus the unique space and dedicated team can also offer private hire for wedding receptions, birthday parties and other special occasions. Simon Peters, Manager of LPS Norwich, tells us more about its diverse history and what it is that differentiates it from competitors. Best Urban Pub & Kitchen – Norfolk “Last Pub Standing is always evolving in its individuality, whether that’s mixing up the events programming or developing new menus inside of NSK,” he explains. “We use this power to bring people in through word of mouth, reviews or social media who might not have heard of us yet as we only opened as LPS three years ago.” Simon is a firm believer in investing in his people and the internal culture of LPS is another differentiator for the company, which thrives off a mix of characters all bringing something different to the table. Simon is always on the lookout for new people who can add another twist to the mix which keeps the pub evolving and doesn’t allow for stagnation. As the team is relatively small it is able to train in-house although when needed training is brought in, for example Cellar qualifications or chances to do an apprenticeship at college. we believe by investing in our staff they find more satisfaction in their work. The Covid-19 pandemic brought with it a lot of financial disruption, and Simon has noticed a lot more customers going to large chain destinations that can afford to offer bigger discounts, as opposed to smaller businesses that cannot afford such losses. However, Covid has also inspired a different demographic to “support local” and visit those independent businesses that have something unique to offer. “This was true during restrictions as we developed one of the first-timed booking systems in Norwich, making tables a higher commodity and more sought after,” he elaborates. “Essentially we were offering a unique service with music, food, drinks and table service all abiding by Covid rules. This, in turn, increased sales and turned a negative into a positive.” Recently, Last Pub Standing was recognised for its hard work and dedication in the local area and bestowed with the prestigious accolade of Best Urban Pub & Kitchen – Norfolk in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022. Simon believes that this is just the beginning for the pub and its small, close knit team of committed staff, as growth is very much on the cards for the future. “Coming off the back of hosting our Community Jubilee Street Party which involved hiring the street, hosting stalls, NSK BBQ’s and sound system events, it highlighted the value in community-based projects,” he enthuses. “Independent businesses and creative scenes need a platform and it’s proven to be very welcomed in Norwich. From this, we aim to open two or three alternative venues that specialise in different niches of the music, arts, ales and independent pub scenes. Essentially, making sure there’s a location for everyone.” Contact: Simon Peters Company: LPS Norwich Ltd Web Address: www.LPSNorwich.co.uk
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