Northumberland publicans resigned to lockdown closure but hopeful of pre-Christmas bounce back

Pubs across Northumberland are gearing up for another period of enforced closure to curb coronavirus levels.
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The news has been met with a mixture of resignation from the local hospitality trade but also concern for the wider community.

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Jackie McDougall, landlady at The Blue Bell Inn, Alnwick, said: “A couple of pubs will struggle, as other businesses will too, but they will bounce back the minute their doors open again.

Northumberland pubs are preparing for a new lockdown.Northumberland pubs are preparing for a new lockdown.
Northumberland pubs are preparing for a new lockdown.

"People who have not been out and have saved money will come out and provide that cash injection but some people won’t be so fortunate.

"There are people out there who have lost their jobs who are not being picked up in the system.”

Jackie, who was offering food support during half-term and shocked by some of the stories of hardship she heard, continued: “Once the furlough finishes in December it’s going to be a really difficult time for some people.

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"We will still be doing takeaways and deliveries for people who can’t get out and take this time during lockdown to see what we can do to make it better.”

Jackie McDougall, landlady at The Blue Bell Inn, Alnwick.Jackie McDougall, landlady at The Blue Bell Inn, Alnwick.
Jackie McDougall, landlady at The Blue Bell Inn, Alnwick.

She also believes the new lockdown will prove that pubs and restaurants are not to blame for the rising number of cases.

"In a way I’m pleased the decision has been taken,” she said. “I can’t see the situation changing because pubs and bars have been doing everything they possibly can to keep people safe and well.

"The blame is being put on pubs and bars but I think the cases will still be going up for some time.”

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Jake Castleman, owner of the Pig & Muck in Alnwick, said: “It's obviously gutting to have to close, but if I'm honest, it's almost come as a bit of a relief.

Black Swan customer James Armstrong with owner Scott Doherty and manager Sophie Browell.Black Swan customer James Armstrong with owner Scott Doherty and manager Sophie Browell.
Black Swan customer James Armstrong with owner Scott Doherty and manager Sophie Browell.

"Life in tier 2 has been soul destroying, the restrictions don't lend themselves for an enjoyable pub experience and therefore trade has dropped drastically, without any financial help from the government.

"It's comforting knowing that furlough has been extended, ensuring that we can keep our talented team.

“The Pig in Muck will close completely and we'll use the time to get our kitchen up and running so we can serve hot food when we (hopefully) return in December.”

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Similar sentiments were echoed by Sophie Browell, manager of The Black Swan in Alnwick.

Cook & Barker owners William and Phil Farmer with the pub's Countryside Alliance award.Cook & Barker owners William and Phil Farmer with the pub's Countryside Alliance award.
Cook & Barker owners William and Phil Farmer with the pub's Countryside Alliance award.

She said: “We will be closing completely. Obviously the news came as a bit of a surprise.

"We were thinking we’d dodged a bullet being in Tier 2 and, having expected to be put into Tier 3, it never came. Now, all of a sudden everyone is tarred with the same brush.

“To be honest, I was never a fan of the rules changing day-to-day, I would rather be fully open or fully closed. We were fighting a losing battle.”

The pub was busy during half-term week but, generally speaking, has been quiet since the end of summer.

"We’re pleased we managed to get a decent half-term week in before having to close,” said Sophie.

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Phil Farmer, owner of the Cook and Barker at Newton-on-the-Moor, said: “Our main concern is looking after our staff so extending the furlough for another month does help but there is a big expense to closing down because we will have to get rid of a lot of stock.

The Pig in Muck, Alnwick.The Pig in Muck, Alnwick.
The Pig in Muck, Alnwick.

"We have been quite steady in the restaurant and bar since we reopened but despite that we’re still 30%-40% down on the year because we can’t do big tables.

"We hope it will only be a four week closure because December is a very busy month for us and we have a lot of Christmas bookings.

"Unfortunately, for now, we’ll just have to bite the bullet.

"We did takeaway Sunday lunches last time so we’ll have to see what we can plan this time around.”

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