A BRACKNELL pub has pleaded for customers to continue to support them after the Government has warned people about socialising in the lead up to Christmas.

The Newtown Pippin in Harmans Water is sharing a message from a fellow landlord in Surrey, encouraging people to visit pubs this festive period.

It comes at a time when Covid-hit hospitality bosses are calling on the Government for straight talking about any new measures ahead of Christmas, saying further uncertainty would leave the industry “screwed”.

The Newtown Pippin said "they are battle hardened" after facing so many Covid restrictions and less people visiting pubs because of this.

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But in the face of adversity, the landlord is echoing the words of his fellow landlord Gerry from the The Caterham Arms who wrote the following statement.

Simon and Vicki said: "I'm sure we are not the only pub in the last 24 hours flooded with Christmas party cancellations and doubt for the festive period. So just a quick reminder of just how hospitality works this time of year.

"Pubs are a different animal to those that existed 50 years ago. The times of blokes and women rolling up each night for several pints and gins have unfortunately gone. Between healthier lifestyles, TV, internet and family the good old pub has had to adapt over the last few decades, and we have. Offering food, welcoming children and changing the way we operate to fit into modern life. But this, even without plague, is very weather dependent and seasonal.

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"Usually, pubs get rammed in December. Tis the season! We use this money to compensate for the "dead period". If you know this term you work in a pub or restaurant, if not in layman's terms its mid January until Easter. During normal years this is the ghost time, dust bowl! Between people doing dry January, joining a gym, running out of money or just generally hating other people, pubs make little to no profit. We have our regulars but until the sun comes out its hard work. So we fill up the coffers at Christmas and grin and bear it. Although it feels different this year.

"Please stay safe, order free tests and use them, but also resume your lives. The survival of your local pub depends on you. A quick pint or meal with the family secures jobs and age old institutions.You are so lucky to live in an area with such a diversity of public houses and restaurants. All different but uniquely worth a visit. Bracknell and it’s surrounding area is truly blessed."

As such, people in Bracknell are encouraged to visit pubs such The Newtown Pippin, The Crown Wood, The Woodcutters The Boot and more, which will be the "best present" any landlord will get this year.