Oxford landlords finding new ways to attract punters to pubs in lockdown

Many of the city’s watering holes reopened their doors when lockdown restrictions eased on July 4, with more following since then.

But with social distancing guidelines in place and limited capacity, pubs are having to find new ways to stand out.

The Masons Arms in Headington reopened yesterday after building work delayed its return.

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Landlord Chris Meeson continued to run the pub’s Saturday night quiz online during lockdown, getting more than 32,000 views across 12 weeks.

Although it will be a while before the event returns in person, the 53-year-old believes more outside-the-box thinking will be required in the months ahead.

He said: “It was so much fun to do and reminded customers that we were here.

“We’ve had to make cutbacks like any business.

“I’m sure there are concerns, but we’re full of confidence.

“We’re going to have to be more inventive, but that stops us from going stale.”

Distancing restrictions means the award-winning pub will only have eight tables inside for now, with 19 outdoors.

Mr Meeson hopes to utilise this outside space for the rest of the summer and is planning to hold barbecues to further entice customers.

The Headington resident has done ‘everything possible’ to ensure social distancing in the pub, but admits safety is not the only barrier.

He said: “People have got so used to buying cheap from supermarkets and suddenly they’re knocking pub prices.

“People are creatures of habit, so it’s up to us to break that habit.”

The landlord added: “It’s a new world – I’m taking it as starting again.”

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Samantha Stonehouse, co-owner of The Black Boy, also in Headington, has adopted a similar attitude since a quiet first week back.

After brainstorming ideas, the pub has hosted art classes and cookery schools on weekday mornings and run a ‘kids eat free’ offer from Tuesday to Saturday.

Other initiatives include a bottomless brunch this Saturday, with the pub now used to innovative thinking after operating as a takeaway and community shop during lockdown.

Mrs Stonehouse said: “Because we’ve all been at home for so long, people have got used to not going out.

“We’ve had to think of new ways to get people back.

“It’s going to take a long time for customer confidence to rebuild.”

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Dave Richardson, spokesperson for Oxford’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said most places in the area had now opened or were planning to do so this summer.

But with footfall set to be well down, he called for punters to show support.

“Some people began to appreciate the value of pubs during lockdown, because those that opened as takeaways and shops were providing a real service,” he said.

“Pubs are doing well if they’ve got 50 per cent of their previous business, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe.

“The end of summer could be the reckoning, so we urge people to support their local pub if they can.”