• We have invested in iPads to enable us to take customer orders electronically instead of via notepads.
• All staff inductions & training are now done electronically.
• Our staff rota used to be printed on paper behind the bar but we have replaced that with a more efficient, electronic app called Planday.
• We accept contactless payments which are now valid for up to £100.

• Since October 2023, we have signed up to a 100% renewable electricity contract which has significantly reduced our carbon footprint.
• All our internal light bulbs have been converted to low energy LEDs.
• We’re introducing energy management targets for our managers to ensure this is kept front of mind at all times.
• We replaced our gas boiler for electric resulting in removal of one gas tank.
• In our rooms at the Dinton Hermit, we installed Grohe EcoJoy showers to help preserve water & reduce our energy consumption.
• We have log burners in our venues which are more efficient than open fires.
• Our bar fridges are Eco Chill models which incorporate the latest refrigeration technology to deliver 30% in energy savings over equivalent standard models.

• When it comes to long life goods such as toilet roll, we buy in bulk, reducing the transport miles versus purchasing each month.

• Nothing is fresher or tastes better than homegrown produce – from plant to plate in the shortest time & with minimal waste.
• We’re continue to invest more time & effort into growing our own vegetables, salad items, fruit & herbs.
• We grow a wide range of produce including spinach, lettuce, chard, courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, walnuts, runner beans, beetroot, redcurrants, blueberries, blackberries, green beans, cavolo nero, carrots, potatoes, peas, rosemary, mint, thyme and parsley. More besides – too many to list!

The Black Boy

The Dinton Hermit

The Dinton Hermit

In order to become as sustainable as possible, we try to upcycle as much as we can in our pubs. Here is an example below:

The Black Boy

At the Black Boy, we have replaced our old wooden picnic benches on our upper lawn with new, picnic benches that are made from recycled plastic which is extremely durable and requires little maintenance. We made sure our old picnic tables did not go to waste by donating them to Animal Antiks, a charity that carries out Animal Assistant Learning for those with specific needs.

Swipe to see new picnic tables 

Dead Hedge at the Dinton Hermit

• After the sad loss of our willow tree to a fatal disease, we decided to put the wood to good use by creating a ‘dead hedge’ with the help of Cultivate To Eat and M H Services Landscapes. It provides a valuable home for wildlife as well as creating another attractive feature in the garden.
• The hedge also does a great job of hiding the compost bins.

• All our menus are printed on FSC approved paper & are recycled after use.