Welcome to the Golden Oldie Inn at Downham Grange nursing home!

The aim of the pop-up hostelry is to transport residents back to happy times spent in the pub when they were younger.

A moveable bar made out of an old bookcase by maintenance man Colin Nash quickly transforms the vintage lounge into a pub and the effect is completed by beer mats and glasses donated by the Swan Hotel in Downham Market.

The town’s Birdhouse Brewery generously donated a selection of its craft ales for the inn’s inaugural session.

Activities coordinator Katie Curson said the idea had come out of a conversation with activities colleagues Louise Barefoot and Sarah Hobday and hospitality manager Lucy Wright.

She said: “It is often harder to get our gentlemen engaged in activities as they may not be interested in arts and craft or cookery.

“We thought this would be something nice for them but it has proved equally popular with the ladies.”

As well as sampling beers, both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, residents enjoyed playing a selection of old pub games.

Miss Curson said: “Everything has been designed so it can be brought out and put away quickly. We are planning to host pub sessions on a regular basis, perhaps fortnightly.

“I would like to thank Paul and Rae at the Birdhouse Brewery and Harry at the Swan Hotel for their support.”


Find out more about Downham Grange nursing home

Author: Stephen Pullinger