The article is an interview with two pub landlords, Coby Morton of The Dolphin Inn in Shrewsbury and Jason Osborne of The Raven in Winchester. They discuss their experiences running pubs during a time when traditional social gatherings are becoming less common.
Morton explains that while they don't get as many young customers as they used to, the regulars who do come in have become more like family. He shares an anecdote about a couple who had their first date at his pub and later got married there, highlighting the importance of communal spaces for relationships.
Osborne notes that people are missing out on social interactions by sitting at tables instead of standing at the bar, where conversations tend to be easier. He emphasizes the importance of being friendly and welcoming to customers, even if they come in grumpy.
The two landlords also share stories about dealing with difficult customers. Morton recounts an incident where a couple arrived late for their wedding reception and complained that he had sold out of food. Osborne shares a story about a staffordshire bull terrier that was left alone at the bar and had to be taken in by his pub.
Throughout the interview, both landlords stress the importance of making pubs feel like community spaces, where people can gather and form relationships. They offer advice to each other on how to maintain a positive atmosphere and make customers feel welcome.
Some key points from the interview include:
* Pubs have become less social, with people preferring to sit at tables instead of standing at the bar.
* Regulars who do come in have become like family to the landlords, providing a sense of community and belonging.
* The importance of being friendly and welcoming to customers, even if they come in grumpy.
* Dealing with difficult customers requires patience and understanding.
* Pubs should be seen as communal spaces where people can gather and form relationships.
Overall, the interview highlights the challenges faced by pub landlords in adapting to changing social norms and finding ways to make their businesses thrive.
Morton explains that while they don't get as many young customers as they used to, the regulars who do come in have become more like family. He shares an anecdote about a couple who had their first date at his pub and later got married there, highlighting the importance of communal spaces for relationships.
Osborne notes that people are missing out on social interactions by sitting at tables instead of standing at the bar, where conversations tend to be easier. He emphasizes the importance of being friendly and welcoming to customers, even if they come in grumpy.
The two landlords also share stories about dealing with difficult customers. Morton recounts an incident where a couple arrived late for their wedding reception and complained that he had sold out of food. Osborne shares a story about a staffordshire bull terrier that was left alone at the bar and had to be taken in by his pub.
Throughout the interview, both landlords stress the importance of making pubs feel like community spaces, where people can gather and form relationships. They offer advice to each other on how to maintain a positive atmosphere and make customers feel welcome.
Some key points from the interview include:
* Pubs have become less social, with people preferring to sit at tables instead of standing at the bar.
* Regulars who do come in have become like family to the landlords, providing a sense of community and belonging.
* The importance of being friendly and welcoming to customers, even if they come in grumpy.
* Dealing with difficult customers requires patience and understanding.
* Pubs should be seen as communal spaces where people can gather and form relationships.
Overall, the interview highlights the challenges faced by pub landlords in adapting to changing social norms and finding ways to make their businesses thrive.
i mean dont get me wrong i love them but its like people r more into sitting alone at a table instead of chillin at the bar with friends and strangers alike 
that makes me sad tbh coz pubs r all about community and vibe you know? anyway idk how pub landlords do it but they make it work by turning regulars into like family lol 
i mean its so cute when coby talks about this couple who had their first date at his pub and got married there 
idk if thats a thing but id love to experience that kinda romance over a pint of beer 
I feel like pubs are really missing out on being special places where people connect over drinks. Like, when was the last time you were at a pub and struck up a convo with someone new? 
For me, it's all about those regulars who become like family - I love seeing familiar faces walk through the door! 
And yeah, I get that some ppl might not be as chatty over a pint, but a friendly smile and a welcoming vibe can go a long way. 
. I mean, who needs a loud bar when you've got everyone sitting at tables sipping their overpriced drinks? And don't even get me started on how pretentious it's become to have a "community space" vibe going on - just serve the beer and let people figure it out themselves, you know? 
. and can you imagine if pubs were just empty tables all the time? it's no wonder people are missing out on social interactions. anyway, i love that these pub landlords are passing on their advice to each other & sharing tips on how to keep things positive. maybe we can learn a thing or two from them 
. I mean, think about it - no more loud laughter, no more impromptu sing-alongs... it's all just so... quiet 
. And don't even get me started on the state of the bars - where's the fun in sittin' at a table when you can be standin' at the bar, chattin' with the bartender? 
.
. I mean, I've been going to The Dolphin Inn for years and it's like I've lost friends because the regulars have gotten older. They're still my favorite people to chat with though, we've got our own little pub family going on 
. I feel for Jason at The Raven, he must get so tired of dealing with cranky customers all day. Like what even is wrong with them? Can't they just take a chill pill and have a decent conversation?