Jodie Kidd’s pub, The Half Moon, has temporarily closed its doors following reports of staff experiencing both physical and verbal mistreatment at the venue. The 46-year-old model made the decision to shut down the pub in West Sussex for a brief period, as confirmed in a statement shared on the pub’s Instagram page.
In addition to sharing cozy autumn-themed photos of the pub, the statement emphasized the effort put into creating a welcoming environment at The Half Moon, where patrons can gather, have a good time, and build memories. The team expressed disappointment over recent incidents of abuse they have faced, highlighting the hard work and dedication they pour into the establishment as independent business owners.
The pub urged visitors to provide feedback in a constructive and respectful manner, underlining the importance of mutual respect in maintaining a positive atmosphere at The Half Moon. The statement concluded with a call to continue fostering kindness, community spirit, and cherished memories at the pub.
Customers swiftly showed their support for the pub in response to the announcement, with one expressing sadness over the situation and affirming their love for the establishment. Another patron eagerly anticipated their next visit to the pub, describing it as a wonderful place unlike any other.
A subsequent post from The Half Moon informed followers that the core team would be taking a short break to rest and recharge. The pub specified the closure dates and reassured patrons of their return on a specified date to resume operations as usual.
Located in Kirdford, The Half Moon is a historic 15th-century Grade II listed pub that Jodie Kidd acquired in 2017. In a recent interview with Sussex Live, Jodie disclosed the challenges faced by the pub, especially in light of the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns. She highlighted the taxing nature of running a pub and the slim profit margins, emphasizing the need for support in the current economic climate.