The local pub (in the next hamlet) closed down and has since been reopened as a community project. Only open certain days / hours.
A group of four of us went there at lunchtime on Christmas Day. Open from 12 noon to 2 pm only, it was packed. Good fun, but a round of drinks for four left no change from a £20 note.
Yesterday, in a rare break from Britain's rainy weather, the same four, plus other family members went for a long walk on the common. Age range 13 - 84. There was talk of going to the same pub afterwards, but I invited them all back to my house, where a bottle of French Viognier, a bottle of Californian Cabernet Sauvignon and one of South African Malbec and a few glasses of malt whisky were consumed. The 13 y-o settled for 7up.
It was a convivial gathering. If it had taken place at the pub, it would have cost four times as much, and we did not need the 'pub atmosphere' to enjoy it.
Sadly pubs are being taxed out of existence, and their costs reflected in the prices they need to charge.
@emmasfriend Sounds like a great day. I feel that pubs are best for one or two people. In a good pub, even if you are on your own and hardly talk to anyone, you can feel as if you are among friends. For a large group, home is best!
