Locals bid to save historic city pub
FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED FOR ‘THE SAL’
A £30,000 fundraising campaign has been launched to save one of Nottingham’s oldest pubs during the most challenging time it has ever faced.
Ye Olde Salutation Inn, or “the Sal” as it’s affectionately known, kept going during plagues and wars but has been closed down by Covid19 for the second time this year.
The pub came out of lockdown in July but from has now closed its doors once again for 28 days with Nottingham now under the highest level of Covid restrictions.
Under Tier Three pubs cannot open unless customers are eating a substantial meal. Although the Salutation serves food, it is more a place where people come to socialise and have a drink, said tenant Jason Weston.
“We have not got any clue what support we’re getting, if any. It’s a very scary time. I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights. To me this isn’t a job, I love this pub,” said Mr Weston.
Regular Dalli Sixx, of Sherwood, has launched the appeal to help his favourite pub stay afloat.
The 33-year-old glazier, who has been drinking at the Sal since he was a teenager, said: “It’s like a big family. There’s people in there we have known for years and we just go whenever we can.
“I saw Jay during the first lockdown and they were struggling through. They are now being forced to close once again and without some sort of help they won’t be able to reopen. It’s not just his livelihood, it’s his home.
“Jay is like my big brother at the end of the day. I’ve had times where I’ve needed someone to talk to and he’s sat down with me. The kids call him Uncle Jay.”
As well as being a friendly pub, it’s one of the few venues for local rock bands in the city centre, especially since the Tap & Tumbler temporarily called time in August.
“We are running out of places to play. My band made its name there and we play every couple of years,” said Dalli, a member of the glam metal band Lippstikk.
Since the launch a day ago the appeal has raised just over £2,000.
“People have donated £10, £10 and some have given £100 and £250. It’s all adding up nicely. If we can secure it we can keep the pub there.”
Mr Weston, who became tenant four years ago, said he wasn’t one to ask for help and had refused to launch a fundraising campaign himself – but his regulars pressed ahead regardless.
He said: “I am one of those people who give a lot and don’t find it easy to receive.
“I didn’t want to go cap in hand. People are struggling e v e r y w h e re . Every industry has been affected by this.
“The customers went ahead and did it themselves and said we are going to make sure you’re still here.
“It’s heartwarming to know we have this kind of effect on the people who come here, that they feel so strongly about the venue and staff that they want to do this even when they’re in troubling times themselves.
“I am staggered. I don’t have the words for it. It shows that even in the hardest times people still back something they believe in.”
To donate to the appeal go to uk.gofundme.com/f/helpto-keep-the-sal-alive.
I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights. To me this isn’t a job, I love this pub.
Jay Weston