Bank holiday: Punters told to 'bring a coat' to the pubs

Going to your local for a drink and a catch up with friends is a right of passage on a bank holiday weekend, but what do these Bournemouth landlords have to say about it?

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The hospitality sector was finally allowed to reopen earlier this month but with reports of people not turning up to their bookings and pubs losing out on hundreds of pounds, we've caught up with our local landlords to see how they're getting on.

Landlord of The London Tavern, Phil Hoyle said: "It's been really busy since reopening, the community has come back and all of our regulars are back at the pub which is great.

"We're obviously following Covid rules which are a little stressful but everyone's doing their best. 

"We're fairly full up for booking this weekend, we've been lucky we haven't had many cancellations.

"The bookings that have asked to come have been turning up - I know a lot of people haven't had their bookings showing up."

Phil Hoyle runs The London Tavern in Poulner, Ringwood

With the weather looking a little questionable, landlords across Bournemouth have got some sage advice for pub-goers.  

Phil said: "We're so in the lap of the weather Gods it's quite worrying.

"Wear a coat!

"If the weather changes, still come but just make sure you bring a coat."

Echoing Phil's advice was landlord Pat Rigbey from The Goat and Tricycle.

He said: "Bring a coat and if you want to bring a blanket then do - if you haven't got one then ask and we might be able to help you out."

Though the weather is looking a little touch-and-go, us Brits are hardy things and the pubs have remained booked up since reopening.

Fully booked this weekend, Pat said: "We've been booked up every night sine reopening and we're fully booked every day this weekend."

The garden at The Goat and Tricycle  (Facebook)

If you're booked in at the pub and your plans change for whatever reason, please do call up and let them know as most establishments are running 'back-up reservations' to ensure they don't miss out on vital income.

Pat said: "It's just rude if you don't cancel - at least if we know you aren't coming then we can give your table to another booking.

"We've been pretty good here, our back-up lists are always busy so if anyone cancels we can quickly give that table to a different customer." 

Sixty Million Postcards on Exeter Road is another pub that's been doing particularly well since reopening, manager James Irwin said: "It's been quite busy and we've had a really good come-back, everyone's been really positive."

Prepared for the weekend Sixty Million Postcards are fully booked and prepared for practically all weather with heaters, umbrellas and shelter for hardy customers.

60 Million Postcards beer garden on Exeter Road in Bournemouth town centre.

The next stage of lockdown will see pubs and bars reopen full with customers allowed to sit inside the premises no earlier than 17 May. 

People can also meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors and six people or two households can meet inside.

Domestic overnight stays allowed with people not in your household or bubble will also be allowed and up to 30 people will be allowed to attend weddings and other life events.

Are you going out this weekend? Let us know your plans in the comments.