It’s aperitif we save our pubs!
THEWAY I SEE IT... Wise words from our feisty, fearless and funny columnist
‘There are so many depressing legacies of the past two years, and some have been devastating to families, the economy and to health. But we must not underestimate the impact of the actions taken during the pandemic on hospitality trades – and most of all, our pubs.
In 2020, we lost over 2,000 of them and in 2021 almost 1,000, both shocking numbers and massive increases on previous years. And nothing is more depressing or disheartening than seeing pubs boarded up and ready to sell to developers for horrible flats.
And now, Britain’s reportedly oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, Hertfordshire, which has been around for over 1,200 years and has undoubtedly seen and survived much worse things than a virus, is closing for good.
To see this historic monument to our culture, our way of life, our Britishness, fail is heartbreaking in the extreme. And it’s not just about this pub, which hopefully will be required by its council to carry on being a public house and not just a private dwelling, as often happens when they close down. It’s also about keeping them traditional – because too many are turned into “gastro pubs” which, in my opinion, rips the soul out of them.
The joy I get from walking into a traditional pub and seeing bar towels, beer jugs, union flags, old carpet and rickety tables and chairs, is second to none. Even better if there’s a bunch of oldtimers stood at the bar chewing the fat and lauding the good old days over a few light ales.
We are not good at the European “cafe culture”. We are British, and we love our pubs. So do your bit to save them, and go for a pint.’