Pub adapting to life in lockdown
LOYAL CUSTOMERS GET A TASTE FOR TAKEAWAYS
THE boss of a popular Nottinghamshire pub has told how it has adapted to work through the second national lockdown.
Peter Hall, owner of the Black Bull in Blidworth, said the pub, which is now offering a full takeaway menu, sold 50 meals on its first Friday in lockdown.
Earlier this year, the restaurant, which is renowned for its locally sourced food, was named one of the best in Britain in the AA’S 2020 Restaurant Guide.
After pubs and restaurants were forced to close on Thursday due to a surge in coronavirus cases, the Black Bull started serving breakfast, Sunday lunches and dinner as well as click and collect beer.
Their popular takeaway pizzas, which had been introduced a month earlier, are also still available.
Peter, who has run the bar and restaurant for six years, said: “We aren’t too surprised by any change at the minute because everything changes so quickly.
“We had Tier Two, then Tier Three and by the weekend we were having to adapt again. We had spoken about closing but decided to do takeaways, so we changed the main kitchen to be suitable and sourced takeaway packaging.
“We’re a small place with quite a big kitchen so we’re in a position where we can adapt, we have the ability to change quickly.”
He said customer support and government help from the furlough scheme has kept the business going.
He said: “I can’t say it has been an enjoyable time but it has been interesting to be able to adapt around things.
“Customer support has been really good throughout, we’ve got a loyal customer base and half of those coming for takeaways are regulars, we know them by name.
“One chap brought in some old pictures he had taken in the pub 30 years ago. It certainly feels like a community.
“I think they’re grateful for us and we’re grateful for them coming in.”
Co-owner Yasmin Hufton is also organising a donation drop-off point at the pub to make up boxes for any families who are struggling over Christmas.