The Mill Race pub, Walford on the Herefordshire and Forest of Dean border, has taken the unusual step of building a pizza kitchen in the garden complete with a proper wood-fired oven. The pizza kitchen will provide food for the pub as well as operating as a take-away.

Mill Race chef Richard Kaye, said: “We live in a rural area where villagers can’t just jump in their car and get a take-away – the nearest pizza restaurant is at Monmouth, seven miles away, so we thought we’d bring the 21^st century take-away to them.”

The pizza kitchen has recently opened and is a hit with customers, even in the cold winter weather.

“During the winter we are opening the pizza kitchen on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm – unless the weather gets unbearably cold, otherwise our poor chefs might freeze,” said Richard.

Hayley Coombs, manager at The Mill Race, said: “For me, a village pub should provide what the local community want.   Sometimes that’s difficult to identify because even if you ask everyone, they don’t really know.   So we think what’s most likely to attract custom is not just good beer, wine and food – that’s obvious, but the chance to take it home if they want, and entertainment at the pub while they see it being made.”   Customers have been known to order a pizza instead of crisps or nuts and eat it at the bar, she adds.

Richard and his team are looking forward to the summer, when they can really get cooking.   “Cooking a pizza can be a theatrical performance,” he said. “Kids especially love getting involved and suggesting different toppings, and for us it’s an opportunity to chat with customers which we don’t get when we’re slaving away over a hot cooker in the kitchens.”

About The Mill Race

The Mill Race is located on the border of South Herefordshire and the beautiful Forest of Dean.   It is a multi award-winning pub (PubChef, The Publican, Flavours of Herefordshire), serving very good quality local food, ales and ciders at sensible prices and has one of the most extensive and well-researched wine lists in the area.  Inside, the pub has recently been refurbished and there is a pretty sun terrace at the rear.   The pub is open for lunch and dinner Monday-Friday from 12pm-2pm and 6pm-9.30pm, Saturday for food from 10am-2.30pm and 6pm-9.30pm; Sunday from 12pm-9pm.

The Mill Race Pizza Kitchen open Tuesdays & Thursday from 6pm.

www.millrace.info, www.facebook.com/mill-race