Cambridgeshire pubs tackling cost of living on third May bank holiday
They are planning on more progress after three bank holiday weekends this month
Some Cambridgeshire pubs may have been booming this month following the King's Coronation, but the progress doesn't stop there.
With energy costs still high and the post-pandemic effects still lingering, growth is beginning to return.
Steve Lowndes, deputy manager of The Hereward in Ely, is feeling positive for the future.
“Growth is starting to come back after Covid and all things that have gone on,” he said.
“But anything that helps us have a good weekend is good for us because we’re so reliant on things like Christmas and school holidays to help you throughout the year.”
Ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, the British Beer and Pub Association predicted that pubs across the UK will receive a £120 million boost over that three-day weekend earlier in May.
Ethan Saggers works at The Townhouse pub, located directly opposite The Hereward, and believes it is not just about making money that is important.
“We’re just trying to help out other people, do activities, have quiz nights, karaoke, always have DJs at the weekend and live music; it’s trying to boost morale,” he said.
“It’s starting to pick up now and we’re starting to do more things to get more people to come in so we can deal with the cost of living crisis.”
Some customers may have to hold back on trips to the pub due to harder economic times.
The Hereward has seen the effect of this, but it still continues to show signs of progress.
“We’ve been growing year on year since we reopened properly and we’re almost hitting figures pre-Covid, which is good,” said Steve.
“People are struggling with the cost of living, so they’re not coming out as regulars any more but they will come for a special event and bring the whole family.”
As for the Townhouse, offering different reasons for customers to visit amid stiff competition will allow the pub to thrive.
“We’re trying to give back to the community and trying to help everyone out,” Ethan added.
“It will get busier; we offer things compared to other pubs, like the quiz nights and karaoke.
“We’re doing more for the community than other places and I think that’s what is going to work for us, and hopefully everybody else enjoys it as well.”