Dartmoor National Park Authority has created #WeAreDartmoor to celebrate the people behind local businesses and is encouraging anyone who loves Dartmoor to join in. The Three Crowns, set in the heart of the moorland town of Chagford, is an enthusiastic supporter of this campaign.
“Here at the Three crowns, we have a policy of ‘keeping it local’. Wherever possible, all ingredients are grown, reared or caught locally. We highlight local wine producers on our award-winning wine list, we feature local farmers and growers on our menus and we even sell Devonshire Tea and Owen’s Devon roasted coffee!” says Chagford resident Steve Bellman, who with John Milan, has run the Three Crowns for the past four years.
#WeAreDartmoor shows the human side of business by telling the stories of those who own it, run it, or work there. In their own words, they describe their business, how life is for them and the benefits it provides to customers, Dartmoor, and the wider economy.
You get to meet people such as Sue Viccars, editor of The Dartmoor Magazine (author of our Three Crowns walking leaflet!), Lewis and Flora of The Dartmoor Shepherd and Moretonhampstead-based pottery and ceramics artist maker Penny Simpson.
The campaign is part of The National Park’s on-going work to support local businesses through the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic. There are about 2,500 businesses on Dartmoor with fewer than nine employees. 31% of working age people on Dartmoor are self-employed – that’s almost twice the English average.
A dramatically curtailed tourism season, reduced capacity and losses or changes in suppliers, has led to the very real fear that the worst is far from over. This can knock-on through a community affecting outlets, suppliers or business partnerships and ultimately risking the choice and variety that people have come to enjoy, and expect.
“It is an extremely challenging time for everyone who makes their living through Dartmoor – whether directly or indirectly,” adds Steve. “The hospitality industry has been hit very hard, but our team here at the Three Crowns is doing a great job in serving customers safely and keeping the business going.”
