There was plenty of boom at the inn this Christmas – despite the state of the nation.
A looming recession and the cost-of-living crisis did not stop drinkers raising a festive glass or two in our traditional boozers.
The World Cup, which packed pubs up to and including the thrilling final on December 18, and freedom from Covid social distancing helped sales rocket.
But the boost was not reflected in the wider hospitality sector.
Restaurants and gastropubs reported being badly hit and losing billions.
Speaking ahead of the release of official figures, Jeffrey Bell, a publican from Clerkenwell, North London, said: “My pub’s had its best Christmas since 2014.
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“This goes against the prevailing narrative of doom about pubs.”
Another raved: “Best week’s trading since I got the pub 2.5 years ago.”
Ed Bedington, editor of pub mag The Morning Advertiser, said: “It’s the first Christmas in three years that pubs have been able to trade properly.
“Pubs traditionally do well at Christmas but some have done exceptionally well this year.”
Brewer Stephen Clinch said: “We’ve been in operation for 12 years and it’s been our best yet – and we even dropped a few kegs this week!”
The news comes as JD Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin said he was “cautiously optimistic” over sales.
