Pub praised for ‘amazing response’ after being criticised for opening on Christmas Day

Going to the pub on Christmas Day is not something that everyone does but it is far more common than you may think but even the thought of it has got some people in a spin.

A pub in Nottingham, The Trent Navigation, has recently come under fire on Facebook after it announced that it was going to be open on December 25th between 12 noon and 3pm for anyone that wanted to come down and enjoy a drink.

One response to the post said: “Why encourage this on Christmas Day? Let people encourage the family get-together instead of encouraging alcohol. Have to be bored and sad to open Xmas Day.”

However, rather than let the negativity go ignored, the pub instead decided to reiterate why they felt it was important to open on Christmas Day.

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In a post on December 12th, the pub wrote: “We received this rather negative comment on our post earlier and while we fully respect everyone’s right to their opinion, we do feel its fairly short-sighted.

“Christmas, for most, is a joyous time of year - full of love, laughter and quality time spent with family and friends. But this is simply not the case for all, Christmas can also be a very lonely time for some.

Given the difficulty we’re all facing during this pandemic, there is a mental health crisis bubbling away under the surface and throw this in with loneliness at this time of year and it can be incredibly difficult for some, especially those without close family and friends to share the big day with.

“Pubs play an important role in the community and are a safe haven for many, a place where all walks of life can meet safely, socialise and let off steam and look out for one another - to be thought of simply as a place to “encourage alcohol” is, quite frankly, a sad commentary.

“Our doors will always be open for friends old and new - and you if you are bored, then please do toddle on down! Its not “sad” to do so, but if you are sad - it’s always good to talk.”

The response has since been widely praised by the pub’s customers who appreciated the important and timely message. One patron wrote: “What an absolutely amazing response, well said. Merry Christmas Trent Navigation, what a lovely community you have built.”

Another said: “Very well said! Pubs are so much more than a place to drink beer, they are important community hubs.”

A third person added: “Haven’t been to a pub on Christmas Day for years so we will be coming down and have a drink with friends and the staff who have been excellent throughout all the Covid restrictions.”