Understanding Our Opening Hours: The Balance Between Business and Family Time

As the nights grow longer and the promise of warmer days approaches, it feels like the right moment to share some insight into why our pub operates with the current opening hours and why these won’t be changing for the rest of the year. You might find it unusual that we remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and that from Wednesday to Friday, we only open from 5 pm. This schedule is not random but carefully chosen to balance the realities of running a small business with the need for family time and financial sustainability.

Why Our Opening Hours Are Limited

Running a pub is demanding, especially when the team is small. At present, the only full-time staff members are myself and Kathryn. This means we handle everything from serving customers to managing behind-the-scenes tasks. Opening longer hours would stretch us too thin and risk the quality of service and our well-being.

Even when the pub doors are closed, the work continues. Cleaning, kitchen preparation, managing accounts, placing orders, and maintaining our online presence all require time and effort. These tasks are essential to keep the pub running smoothly and ready to welcome guests during our open hours.

The Impact of Location and Staffing

Our location plays a significant role in shaping our schedule. Being in a quieter area means that customer flow is naturally lower during certain days and times. Opening on Mondays and Tuesdays or earlier in the day from Wednesday to Friday would not bring enough business to cover the costs of staffing and utilities.

With only two full-time staff, it’s not feasible to extend hours without compromising service or personal time. This limitation forces us to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring every guest who visits receives the best experience possible.

Behind the Scenes: The Work You Don’t See

Many people assume that when the pub is closed, the work stops. The reality is quite different. Here are some of the ongoing tasks that keep the pub alive:

• Cleaning and maintenance: Keeping the space spotless and safe for customers.

• Kitchen prep: Preparing ingredients and planning menus to ensure fresh and tasty meals.

• Ordering supplies: Managing stock levels and placing orders to avoid shortages.

• Accounts and finances: Tracking expenses, managing invoices, and budgeting.

• Social media and marketing: Sharing updates and engaging with our community online.

  
  

This behind-the-scenes work is non-stop and crucial for the pub’s success. It also takes time away from opening hours, which is why we must keep those hours focused and manageable.

Managing Rising Costs

The cost of running a pub has increased significantly in recent times. Utilities like electricity and gas have spiraled, making it more expensive to keep the pub open for long hours. These rising costs mean we must be strategic about when we open to keep the business financially viable.

By limiting our opening hours, we reduce energy consumption and staffing costs. This approach helps us maintain a sustainable business model that can weather economic challenges while still providing a welcoming space for our customers.

Prioritizing Family Time

Running a small business often blurs the line between work and personal life. Kathryn and I both value family time deeply, and our opening hours reflect this priority. By not opening on certain days and limiting hours on others, we create space for rest, family activities, and personal well-being.

This balance is essential for long-term success. When we are rested and happy, we provide better service and maintain the passion that keeps the pub thriving.

What This Means for Our Customers

We understand that our opening hours might not fit everyone’s schedule. We appreciate your patience and support as we work within these limits. Our goal is to offer a warm, friendly atmosphere and excellent food and drink during the hours we are open.

Planning your visit around our schedule helps us serve you better. We encourage you to join us during our open hours and enjoy the unique experience we offer.

Looking Ahead

For now, our opening hours will remain the same. We will continue to monitor the situation, including customer demand, staffing possibilities, and cost changes. If conditions improve, we may consider extending hours in the future.

Until then, we focus on delivering quality service, maintaining a sustainable business, and enjoying time with our families.