Teenager becomes landlady of her local pub

Neve Baker-Wright said she was determined to make it a success

A teenager who has taken over the lease of her local pub says she is up for the challenge, despite being "a little apprehensive".

Neve Baker-Wright, 18, from Grantham, took over the lease on the New Inn in Folkingham after the previous landlords suggested she put forward a business plan to the owners Admiral Taverns.

Despite opening night nerves, Neve does not believe her age will impact her ability to succeed.

"Every landlord or landlady has the same issues, whether you are 18 or 60," she said.

The pub is also now something of a family affair, with her stepdad Ash Wright co-signatory on the lease, and her dad, Andy Baker, taking on the role of chef.

Neve reopened the pub on 1 August with a live local band.

She said the customers helped to make it an "amazing night".

The teenager now plans to introduce theme nights and cocktail evenings to "entice a younger generation", as well as keeping the "fantastic locals" happy.

She said the best bit about the job was talking to customers and getting to know people.

Neve is no stranger to the hospitality sector, having worked in pubs since she was 14.

However, she said her family had shown her "incredible support" in her latest role, "especially when I doubted myself".

She said it was also great to be working alongside them.

Neve's dad, Andy, said he was very proud of his daughter

Andy said he was very proud of his daughter.

"I know she will put the hours in. She already has," he said.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association, the number of pubs in the UK has steadily decreased every year since 2000. Some 15,000 pubs have closed in that time, including 289 last year - the equivalent of six a week.

Andy said: "It's a tough industry, so for someone like Neve to blank that out, I'm hoping with her enthusiasm it will inspire more people."

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