So it came, the news we’ve all been waiting for, the return of the Pub! It’s unprecedented times, I’m sure pubs weren’t even ordered to shut during the war so it’s a first for the industry and the industry has suffered as a result.
The news was met with joyous scenes in gardens across the land as the sun beats down on us all and we know there’s only one place we should be, but of course as with all things Corona the pub won’t quite look the same yet. There’s been a plethora of rules introduced to keep people safe from the dangers of Covid19 such as table service and increased ventilation required along with limiting large groups. Pubs with beer gardens will certainly have an advantage I suspect.
Not all pubs feel they will be able to meet requirements to open on the 4th and that’s fair enough, some of the guidelines will no doubt put pressure on some already struggling pubs that have been hit hard during this lockdown. A few had started to find ways around the lockdown by offering takeout services but most have seen no money come across their bars for nearly three months now leaving all the support the chancellor offered in his budget (Remember that, way back when now) ineffective in it’s support of the industry so it’s up to punters to help make up for lost time.
With pubs reopening there is a big, ethical question hanging over the heads of many. Should we boycott Wetherspoons?
I’ll hold my hands up and admit I’m a spoons fan, I love the fact you know what you’re getting, you can get craft beer at a decent price on any manor, even when most other pubs on that manor just spit out the drivel that is Carling. The investment in disused, abandoned buildings, former pubs and more was surely only a good thing but then Tim showed his true colours and tried to strip his staff of their livelihoods (Much like that vile piece of work Branson) in an act of self preservation.
I feel morally that I should boycott but boycotting in protest of him threatening staff with working at Tesco or receiving no money, protests that would be intended to hit Tim’s pockets, would ultimately hit the staff that we’d be protesting for.
I’ll be gathering as full a list of possible, of Birmingham pubs that are reopening, next week. Until then I’ll just mention a few that I’ve seen, these will all be opening on 4th July;
- Old Crown (Digbeth)
- Actress & Bishop (Jewellery Quarter)
- Stag (Digbeth)
- Bordesley Labour Club (Small Heath)
- Clumsy Swan (Yardley)
- Pat Kav’s (Moseley)
But of course the list will be far more extensive than this, these are just a couple that I have seen popping up to say they’ll be open.
If you run a pub and will be opening on the 4th let us know and we’ll add you to our list. Want to feature on our Flip Some Beer Mats series? Drop us an email to lockthelocks@outlook.com
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