Businesses in South Yorkshire's hospitality sector claim trade is 'on the up'

It's as we approach another Bank Holiday weekend for the King's coronation

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 4th May 2023

The coronation of the King is expected to provide a £120 million boost for pubs across the UK.

New figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) show local pubs and breweries expect to pour 62 million pints over the celebratory coronation bank holiday weekend.

It comes as pubs are set to benefit from extended opening hours for the occasion.

The Government announced in March that pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am for the weekend, extending current normal hours by two hours between May 5 and May 7.

Pubs are celebrating the event with special events, such as tea parties, as well as one-off beers and menus.

Ben Rosson, who runs The Golden Cock in Huddersfield, said: "We have so much going on over the coronation weekend, it's the first time we've hosted an afternoon tea. It would be great to see a range of people getting involved and hopefully getting new customers into the pub too.

"We have a raffle draw on the Sunday, a street party and live music.

"It's always good for everyone to be able to get out and enjoy themselves, especially after Covid. The coronation is a great chance for people to get out and celebrate - what better place to do so than the pub?"

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "Our brewers and pubs are looking forward to the King's coronation being a time for communities across the country to join in celebration - and what better place to do that than at your local?

"There are few things about public life that stand the test of time from one generation to the next, and the welcoming of a new monarch is undoubtedly a time to reflect on this and note how our much-loved pubs remain at the heart of their communities, just as they have done for centuries.

"In a critically difficult time for our industry, we hope people will mark this historic national celebration by visiting their local, one iconic British institution supporting another."

Emma Swales works for the True North Brew Co. - which has 11 venues in total across Sheffield & Barnsley:

"All of our pubs are doing something different for the King's coronation that suits their suburban area.

"We have a lot of child friendly pubs, so there will be plenty of entertainment, as well as live music and all of that.

"To be honest, it's just lovely to have an additional celebration that people can all get together for in the pubs.

"It's been very difficult over the last few years to do anything exciting because of the Covid-19 restrictions, so this year we're really aiming to do as much as we can in the community.

"The coronation of the King is a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that.

"What tends to happen with us on Bank Holiday Monday is that people treat them like a Sunday.

"Sundays are typically our busiest days, so it basically just duplicates another Sunday for us, which is fantastic from a trade perspective.

"Having several Bank Holidays so early on in the year is definitely helping us out financially."

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