For almost 20 years, Simon Dafforn-Jones, known as Slugger to the locals, has been serving up much more than food and drink at The Ferry Boat Inn in Dittisham.

Having grown up just down the road, Simon took over the pub with his father and has helped make it a much-loved part of the South Devon community. Sitting on the banks of the River Dart, The Ferry Boat Inn, known locally as the FBI, is celebrated for its local produce, views and role as a community hub.

For Simon, the pub is about giving back to the place he calls home. From giving local teenagers their first jobs in hospitality to championing produce from across the region, he is committed to making sure the Ferry Boat Inn represents the very best of Devon.

It’s that dedication to his customers and community that makes independent business owners like Simon Local Royalty. 

Simon has been immortalised by acclaimed portrait artist Jamie Coreth, who painted the first official joint portrait of HRH William of Wales and Catherine Princess of Wales in 2022, and has also painted HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. Jamie has now turned his attention to one of Devon’s own local icons, capturing Simon and celebrating the role he plays in his community.

His portrait joins those of three other independent business owners from across Great Britain, each painted by an artist who has previously received an official commission to paint a member of the Royal Family.

Together, they form the Local Royalty exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery, shining a spotlight on the people behind the pubs, cafés, convenience stores and takeaways that play such an important role in everyday life.

As part of Local Royalty, Simon will receive his finished portrait to keep and pass down through his family for generations. A donation will also be made to his chosen charity, Dart RNLI, an inshore search and rescue service located on the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. 

Local Royalty is the third instalment in our campaign celebrating the impact of independent retail partners on their local communities and economies, following The Bosses and Counter Cultures.