Pubs open their doors to help people struggling to heat their homes
Pubs are opening their doors to help people struggling to heat their homes during the cost of living crisis this winter.
The Y Meirion pub in Blaenau Ffestiniog wrote on Facebook that it will keep its heating on and said people were welcome to sit and keep warm without having to buy anything.
Owner John Ferguson said his heating bill would cost the same "whether the pub is full or empty".
He wrote on Facebook: "I can't believe I'm having to even write this post but with the way things are I believe it's necessary. If you are suffering, please pop in and get warm. Mondays and Tuesdays are usually the quietest so plenty of free seats."
In Northumberland, the Olde Ship at Seahouses, the Percy Arms at Chatton and the Anglers Arms at Longframlington have pledged that hot drinks, company and warmth will be available seven days a week.
The pubs, owned by the Inn Hospitality Group, all have open fires which will be kept burning from 9am until closing time.
The group said the aim was to provide a warm place for anyone in need and to reduce the risk of loneliness, particularly among the elderly.
Oliver Bennet, co-founder of the Inn Hospitality Group, said: "Although winter always brings challenges, this one may well be the most severe yet – not necessarily in terms of snow and ice, but in terms of poverty and helplessness.
"Everyone's likely to feel the pinch financially and a lot of people are worried.
"They don't know if or how they'll manage and, if they live on their own, the temptation will be to lock their doors and hunker down, and we want to let them know they don't have to. That we can – and want to – help."
All three pubs have launched a book sharing library and are offering free hot drinks for anyone who donates a book. Visitors are invited to stay as long as they either need or would like to, with no obligation to make a food or drink purchase.
The Anglers Arms is also handing out free soup between 12 noon and 4pm to those aged 60-years-old and over.
Staff at the pubs will provide hot or boiling water for Thermos flasks and hot water bottles free of charge on request.
"Our venues have been a sanctuary for residents and travellers for centuries," said Bennet.
"They are warm and anyone who wants to simply come in and sit by the fire with a book is more than welcome."
Many hospitality businesses face a challenge to heat their venues this winter, with 44% of respondents to a Caterer survey revealing their energy bills have risen by over 300%.
Some operators are reducing their opening hours, moving to daily produce deliveries to cut down on using fridges and freezers, and closing hotel spas to save money.
