Jim Parker: Investment in Castle Circus is welcome boost for town centre

Zoe Gay must be either bold and brave or barmy and bonkers. I think she is a bit of everything but I and lots and lots of people will be wishing her and partner Sam Martin all the very best as they embark on a new business venture.
Zoe has totally transformed and re-opened a pub at Castle Circus in Torquay town centre.
Yep, you read it right - Castle Circus, the same Castle Circus that has been dubbed a 'hotspot' for crime, anti-social behaviour, street drinking, drugs and violence. An area recognised by Devon crime commissioner Alison Hernandez as needing extra special investment, resource and partnership working, delivering more visible police patrols, legally-binding dispersal measures, a mobile police station and a new Street Focus Torquay initiative which will be rolled out across the force at similar problem locations if it is a success.
Zoe, 43, is now the landlady of the Rabbit Hole. The pub was formerly Wig and Pen and Jolly Judge and had its licence taken away about six years ago for under-age drinking, drugs and fighting. “I managed to get the licence back which I never thought they would allow,” said Zoe. “People have been telling me I must be mad.”
But she revealed: “We’ve spent a lot of time and money in getting the pub up and running and I have to say it’s doing well.”
The Rabbit Hole is a real family affair. Partner Sam, 42, is a roofer but he has also been helping out behind the bar. Son Lorenzo, 18, who is off to Bristol University to study music, helps behind the bar and plays his guitar for customers.
Daughter Gracie-Mae, 15, helps with the Sunday lunches.
Zoe's past career has seen some work behind bars, in beauty on make-up counters and even with Sam on a bit of roofing during the pandemic. She says: “I have done a bit of bar work but running a pub is very different.”
Zoe says Castle Circus is not all doom and gloom.
“We have a hairdressers, a canine supply, some little cafes and some beautiful flats and buildings.”
The pub 'offer' has been started from scratch with a chef with 30 years' experience, roasts, all-day breakfasts and pasta dishes etc as well as plans for a pool and darts team, live music, quiz nights, four big screen TVs, games, books and colouring activities for the kids.
Zoe, who lives with her family above the pub, emphasises: “We do not allow the idiots in. We have 'our pub' which is family friendly until 9pm with dogs welcome.”
She says: “It has been really busy. We have had to take on three extra members of staff. People come in through the front door and see that it has been decorated and lovely.
“The trade is mostly locals with guests from airbnbs and guest houses, working people and people with dogs. Touch wood, we have had no trouble so far.”
A new customer who may be popping in shortly for a soft drink of course will be commissioner Hernandez.
She believes that new business like this are just what is needed to re-galvanise the area.
She says: “Well-managed establishments are exactly what we want to see in the town centre. I am really supportive of this kind of business investment.”
Why the Rabbit Hole? Zoe says: “The name came from my first visit to Glastonbury. There's a secret location called the rabbit hole but we never found it so we’ve created our own.”
And the last word: “I just feel that over time the pub can be something special.”
Sincere best wishes to Zoe and Sam. Let's hope the magic of that secret Rabbit Hole will be just the catalyst for the change Castle Circus needs.