A Nottingham pub has been celebrating Christmas Day in style with staff members and customers spreading Christmas cheer. The Trent Navigation Inn, in Meadow Lane, faced some criticism from some for opening on December 25 in 2021 but it was certainly busy at the venue today as punters enjoyed the festivities
Although food wasn't being served today, the pub served drinks and was open from 12pm until 4pm. New and regular customers were welcome to come to the pub, which aspires to be at the heart of the community and able to provide a haven for those who would otherwise spend the day alone.
Construction worker, Tony Morgan, 50, of The Meadows, said: "We come each year, it's a tradition we do. We get up and have breakfast, come here and have a few and then have our Christmas dinner afterwards. It's great here. Somewhere has to be open and where better than our local."
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Insurance worker, Allan Raven, 57, Top Valley, said: "For me I live on my own, so if I couldn't come out than I wouldn't see anyone. For people like myself i think it's great to have the pubs open as it's good to see people." He described the atmosphere as "brilliant."
Company director, Robert Moore, 59, of The Meadows, said: "I've not been to a pub on Christmas for about five years as we have always been away with family but I only live up the road so I've been coming here for a while now. I don't want to upset the wife staying out too much, but it's a great chance to see people that you won't normally see as well. The atmosphere here is really good. We're all really happy here.
Philip Staton said: "It's a tradition of ours we come every year, it's lovely." Lauren Posada, of Manchester, added: "This is the first time I have been to a pub on CHristmas and I am loving it. The atmosphere is great and all the locals are amazing and really friendly."
Agricultural scientist, Bill Anders, 71, said: "We used to live Suffolk but we have a tradition that we go to church, have smoked salmon sandwiches and then we go to a local pub, and now we live up the road. I like the social aspect of meeting new people and the friendships that form. It's not about getting drunk it's about celebrating Christmas.
"This is something you can't get anywhere else, British pubs are very unique. I love the atmosphere, I think it's brilliant.
In addition to customers having a great time at the pub, members of staff also said they were enjoying the festivities. Manager Sam said: "I just think it's really nice for our regular customers in the community and its only for a couple. All of the staff that are here are ones that want to be here."
Speaking of how busy the pub is, Sam adde: "Yeah its pretty much been like this since we opened. Most people just come in for one or two drinks, so it's people coming and going."
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