Celebrity model-turned-publican Jodie Kidd has taken the unusual step of temporarily shutting the doors of her countryside pub, The Half Moon, following a string of troubling incidents involving aggressive customers.
The 46-year-old, who bought the 15th-century village inn in 2017, revealed that the decision was made to give her team a chance to recover from recent stressful episodes.
Staff Face Abuse Behind the Scenes
The pub’s Instagram account posted a heartfelt note, saying: “While we know we won’t be to everyone’s taste, it saddens us that in recent weeks we as a team have faced abuse—both verbal and physical.
We’d like to remind everyone that behind The Half Moon is a team of people who care deeply about what we do. We are human.”
According to sources, one staff member was physically grabbed by a diner trying to get attention, leaving her shaken.
In a separate incident, a male customer became extremely agitated over the seasoning on his meal, creating a tense scene for both staff and fellow patrons.
Celebrity Status Draws Unrealistic Expectations
Locals suggest that the pub’s rising fame, coupled with Kidd’s celebrity profile, has attracted visitors with inflated expectations.
Many drive long distances hoping for Michelin-star-style cuisine, reminiscent of Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, only to find a charming, traditional village menu instead.
One regular explained, “The food and drink are excellent, but people expect something fine-dining.
It’s shepherd’s pie, cod and chips—classic pub dishes, not a Michelin-star setup. That mismatch has caused a few incidents recently.”
The Half Moon’s Menu and Atmosphere
Despite the occasional flare-ups, The Half Moon remains celebrated for its quality, locally sourced menu. Dishes include:
-
Seared trout with rillette, pickled chorizo, and sage carbonara sauce (£28)
-
Tandoori cauliflower with raita, fennel, and onion (£20)
-
Pan-roast cod with Roebuck Estate herb tartar, peas, and chips (£24)
-
Lamb shepherd’s pie with beetroot, lovage, and spring greens (£29)
-
Homemade lamb burger with gruyere and caramelised onions (£22)
Co-owner and chef Gavin Roy ensures the menu is varied and seasonal, keeping the offerings fresh for returning patrons.
Taking Time to Recharge
The pub announced it would be closed from Monday to Wednesday for a brief respite, reopening Thursday, September 25, at noon.
The Instagram post emphasized the need for staff to rest: “As many of you know, the work never truly stops behind the scenes, so taking some time to rest and recharge is essential.”
Locals Defend the Pub’s Character
Despite some criticism, many locals praise the pub’s welcoming atmosphere.
One resident said, “I feel lucky The Half Moon is in my village. It’s excellent, and if you come expecting a cosy, rural pub with good food, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s the posh crowd that sometimes causes issues, not the pub itself.”
A Message from Jodie Kidd
The temporary closure underlines Kidd’s message that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Sources close to the pub emphasized that this decision was about protecting staff wellbeing and reinforcing the pub’s ethos: creating a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone.