From style queen to model publican

Having spent a decade gracing the covers of high-fashion magazines, Jodie Kidd retired from the catwalk to run a 15th-century country pub... and she's never been happier. The only thing the hands-on landlady wants is more support for the stretched-thin hospitality industry

- Jane Warren

TUCKED AWAY in the pretty village of Kirdford in the South Downs National Park opposite the church and a short walk from the award winning community shop is The Half Moon pub, where a former supermodel is to be found discussing menus with her award-winning head chef.

At other times of the day, depending on how many customers are in, you might find her pulling pints or washing up pots.

"I do love getting behind the bar," laughs Jodie Kidd, the ex-model-turned-country landlady in question. "If I'm in and we're low on staff or busy, I just jump straight in." In fact, it's fair to say Jodie has done it all during her six years at the helm of the 15thcentury pub, a place she first fell in love with as a younger patron.

"Getting your hands dirty is the most important thing," she says effusively. "I have never wanted to be just another hands-off celebrity pub owner." Jodie, 45, was determined to learn everything from the bottom up to prove her dedication.

"I decided I was going to learn this industry inside out. After our six-month refurbishment, I was doing everything from pot washing to polishing glasses to making cocktails. The only way forward was to be fully immersed. I was there every single day, changing barrels - all of it," she says proudly, demonstrating how success and failure in this industry often hinges on the smallest of margins.