Nursery World - Work Matters: Management - Focus

One local area lost a pub but gained a nursery that is aiming to fill the gap in childcare provision. Karen Faux paid it a visit.

A brand-new nursery is set to prove itself a more viable business than a pub, in the current economic climate. The former Ruse Too - originally the Golden Fleece - has just received a revamp in which bar stools and tables have been moved out to accommodate custom-built children's furniture and specially commissioned art works. The former beer garden with overhanging hop trees is being used as an outdoor play area where children are growing herbs and strawberries.

Now named Leo's Den Nursery, the premises in Southwark, London, is owned by staffing agency Capital People, which also runs the Ruse Bar in Borough High Street. Managing director Tony Halliwood was given the idea to turn the struggling pub into a nursery when staff complained that there was a lack of affordable childcare in the area.

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