“We are expecting very testing times ahead” - Pub owners in Calderdale fearing hard times to come

They say social distancing restrictions, the end of regular sunny weather and a possible second lockdown are all concerns for the rest of the year, and that the Christmas period may not be as lucrative as previous years.

Max Heaton, from the Shibden Mill Inn, said; “We are expecting very testing times ahead.

“The government announcement and the threat of a second wave is very worrying for everyone, not just the hospitality industry.

“The industry was massively helped out by the furlough scheme, the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme and business rates relief.

“I fear that should a second lockdown need to be enforced, all of this could have been done in vain, as it would be catastrophic for our sector as we all rely so heavily on the Christmas period and could coincide with the end of the furloughed scheme.

“We have been overwhelmed with support from our regulars and customers throughout.

“The one positive to come out of this ordeal is the local spirit to support small businesses like us.”

Matt Browne, from the Stubbing Wharf in Hebden Bridge, said: “The new rules have definitely meant that we have had to cut capacity, however we have adapted by using our upstairs room, which originally was only used on weekends or as a function room, as extra seating the majority of the time.

“Our pub is open plan and that means it is reasonably well adapted to manage the social distancing aspect of the restrictions.

“We will be missing out on large group bookings and we need to hope we can get enough regular bookings, tables of six or less, to keep us going, especially through the coming winter months.

“The nice weather has helped us as we have lots of outside seating, but we are concerned how we will manage in the coming months without this extra space.

“However we are experienced in managing seasonal trade so hopefully we won’t see much of a difference to previous years.

“This of course is all very unknown.
“We have a high rateable value, therefore we did not receive any government grant, which meant managing to pay regular costs and keep afloat through lockdown was very difficult.

“However, the cuts in VAT and the Eat Out To Help Out scheme has definitely helped us to bounce back financially and be able to offer extra hours to our employees.

“I would like to see the VAT cut last longer as I think it gives businesses like ours a chance.

“It also means more money is available for employment which Is always the biggest cost we face.

“I understand little help has been given to pubs which don’t offer food, which I do feel is a shame as they have a big part to play in our culture and in many cases it is difficult for them to operate with the restrictions in place.

“Hopefully something will be provided.”