Amy Gallivan takes a peek into the hangbag of Lorna Pissarro, proprietor and sales & marketing director for Stuart Inns’, Long Melford Swan, Hadleigh Ram & Lavenham Greyhound
It has been a rather busy but successful four years for Lorna Pissarro and her two brothers, Iain and Oliver Macmillan, who between them own and run restaurant business Stuart Inns. In that short time, the siblings now hold three restaurants, one with accommodation, all of which are continuing to receive accolades from the food and tourism industry, as well as guests and diners. “It all started with The Swan as my brother, Ollie, who has been a chef his whole (adult) life, wanted to run his own business,” Lorna explained. “I actually have a fine art degree, but my brother asked if I would help.” Now Lorna concentrates on supporting front of house managers, sales and marketing, and she also manages all the design and interior projects, for which she feels her fine art and former graphic design role has come in very handy. In May 2013, the team took on and refurbished the Hadleigh Ram and the following year, the business grew to include The Lavenham Greyhound. But that’s not all Lorna has planned, as the business is continually growing. “We also have four boutique rooms at The Swan and four more to come, with two of those ready in the new year.” So what does this very busy and entrepreneurial business woman carry within her bag?
Mulberry handbag
This is a very large bag which is useful for carrying files and everything I need for work while running between the three sites. I bought it as a celebratory treat from London for myself after successfully running The Swan for a year which was a very hard time. Lorna reveals all.
1. Orange note pad
I am obsessed with lists and you have to write everything down when you are busy so that you have something to look back at.
2. Green Cross pen
Nobody has a pen! So I always carry one and have one on me. It was a birthday gift from my brother.
3. Jo Malone perfume
It’s Earl Grey and cucumber. You can smell a tinge of the cucumber. My husband, Eddie, bought it for me as he knows I love Earl Grey.
4. Furry pony purse
I bought this purse from a market in the South of France. The girl who sold it actually made them and I thought it was beautiful and a lovely item to have. I store makeup in there and I use it as clutch sometimes for a night out as it’s the perfect size.
5. Sunglasses
I bought these sunglasses in Paris a year ago. They are unique and I feel, you wouldn’t find them here.
6. iPhone
I would rather be without my this - it’s an iphone 6. However, I do use a few useful apps within my role. One of which is a list-making app called Trello which everyone at the sites can log into and add to the boards. We also use a group WhatsApp which is great for continued communication. We can keep up to date and share information easily. On my screensaver is a photo of my husband Eddie and I on our wedding day.
7. Fur stole
I wear this stole this time of year. I add it to a coat or jumper to keep warm. I live in Hadleigh so it is great to throw over my outfit while I walk down or ride my bike.
The Hadleigh Ram, Long Melford Swan, Lavenham Greyhound
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