Boozer raises £10k so it can reopen safely

MAKE PUB ‘FINANCIALLY VIABLE’

A BELOVED cooperatively-run ‘proper boozer’ in Calderdale has raised more than £10,000 to help them reopen safely.

The Fox and Goose in Hebden Bridge started the fundraiser after it was clear that they would not be able to safely accommodate enough people inside to make it financially viable to reopen.

The money raised allowed them to construct an outdoor seating area, increasing their socially-distanced capacity from 36 to 50.

The pub wants to reopen when the government restric- tions allow, but prioritise the safety of patrons and staff.

Tudor Gwynn, of the Fox and Goose, said: “We were very focussed on actually not taking any risks at all and we did everything by the book.

“We’ve decided that we will absolutely stick to social distancing rules.

“That means that unfortunately, yes, it’s difficult to make money but it’s more important to us and our customers that we absolutely stick by the rules.”

The fundraiser had an original target of £8,000, but the campaign soon raised more than £10,000. The additional money raised allowed the pub to construct mini gazebos tucked away at the far end of the beer garden and put up lighting and heating.

The pub is the first cooperativelyowned pub in West Yorkshire, owned by its 300 members.

Mr Gwynn said: “A lot of people see the Fox and Goose as a ‘proper boozer,’ it’s an extraordinary place and I’m very lucky to have it as my local for the past 20 years.”

The pub is excited to reopen, and says the outdoor area will become a lively part of the pub.

“The main area is going to be busy, it’s going to be vibrant,” said Mr Gwynn.

“If people want to bring their instruments it would be lovely to hear their music, drifting on the evening air through the valley.

“A slow lament on a fiddle would be lovely to hear.”

The structure is nearly finished, with the ‘hardy Northern’ builders braving last week’s rains to finalise the construction in time for mid-April, when the pub will hopefully reopen.

The main area is going to be busy, it’s going to

be vibrant