Pubs across North East Lincolnshire still finding trading difficult
National figures show 2 pubs a day on average have shut so far this year
Last updated 19th Sep 2023
We're hearing pubs across North East Lincolnshire are still struggling to recover from the double whammy of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis
Recent figures show more than two pubs a day UK wide have closed over the first half of the year.
We've been speaking to 2 pub owners in Cleethorpes about the current climate
David Snook runs the Number one pub at Cleethorpes train station.
When it's sunny you can really see the difference
He told us: "It's about numbers - if people come in then you don't have to raise your prices - you can sell more which will help but that's in an ideal world."
"We didn't really have much of a summer this year - when it's sunny you can really see the difference. "
"To us if the price of beer goes up we have to pass it on to the customers and put their prices up as well - but we try and work with our brewery closely and so far - touch wood - we're doing OK."
Jessica Boulter is a manger at The Fisherman's Arms in Cleethorpes - she says business is not too bad at the moment, but keeping it that way is a challenge.
"It really is hard on staff at the minute."
We're keeping prices as low as possible
"We would love more staff but it's really hard to get staff."
"I think that makes a massive impact - if you haven't got strong staff out there and that not doing the job then people won't come back to your pub."
We asked her about support.
She said: "Just try and keep the costs down - maybe help a bit with council tax and water rates - any little help would be great."
"We're doing the best we can but it would help if there was a little bit of help out there - to keep 20 staff in jobs instead of putting the prices higher and higher. "
"We're keeping prices as low as possible - they do have a little moan but we can't do anything about it.
"They still come down - they realise everywhere's going up - it's life unfortunately."