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.
Manager Jenny Gagg, who has 15 years experience at nearby Guy's Hospital Nursery, relished the opportunity to project-manage the refurbishment.
'When I came for my interview last August the building was just a shell,' she says. 'The owners decided that they wanted to redesign it with a jungle theme, and we used local plumbers, carpenters and student artists to create a beautiful environment.
'From my point of view it was ideal to be in at the beginning of a project receiving healthy private investment. The building itself is old, with a lot of character, and we've got two large rooms that were on each side of the bar. One side is being used for up to 12 two- to three-year-olds and the larger side can accommodate up to 20 three- to five-year-olds.'
Leo's Den has installed NurseryCam, which allows parents to view their children in the nursery through a webcam.
'We believe this will be a big selling point for the nursery,' says Ms Gagg. 'It is a good tool for parents and demonstrates the nursery's honest, open approach.The system is set up so that parents can view their children in specific areas of the nursery at particular times of day.'
Leo's Den can accommodate a total of 32 children. It is currently building up the numbers since opening its doors at the beginning of March.
Ms Gagg says, 'We have four children at the moment and another two are about to start. Today we received five enquiries. So far we haven't done anything to advertise the nursery, but we are holding open days and the owners will be working with its clients and local companies and organisations to tailor cost-effective childcare to their needs.'
Tony Halliwood also has plans to develop a relationship with a nursery serving a disadvantaged community in South Africa. Children at Leo's Den will build cultural links with the nursery and share their experiences via webcam.
