'Drinking was big!' Pub landlords – one gen Z, one 66 – discuss how they stay open in an age of sobriety

The article features an interview with two pub landlords, Coby Morton and Jason Osborne, who run The Dolphin Inn in Shrewsbury and The Eclipse Inn in Winchester, respectively. They share their experiences and insights on how to keep pubs alive and thriving in today's changing landscape.

Morton discusses the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, including music events, board game nights, and a knitting night, which bring people together and make the pub feel like a home from home. He also highlights the value of regular customers, who become like part of the furniture, and how these relationships are essential to the pub's success.

Osborne shares his approach to creating a lively atmosphere in his pub, including raising drink prices to attract new customers and finding ways to engage with patrons, such as playing music that appeals to a wide range of ages. He also talks about the importance of community and how pubs provide a space for people to connect and form relationships.

Both landlords agree on the need to be happy and friendly, greeting customers like they're old friends, even if they come in grumpy. They emphasize the value of creating a sense of belonging and making customers feel welcome, which is essential to keeping them coming back.

The conversation also touches on the changing nature of pubs, with fewer people standing at the bar and more sitting down. Osborne notes that this has led to a loss of social interaction, while Morton agrees that people used to stand in every nook and cranny of the pub, but now they prefer to sit at tables.

Overall, the interview provides a valuable insight into the challenges faced by pubs in today's market and the strategies being employed to adapt and thrive.
 
pubs r like community hubs now 🤝 , where ppl can hang out, make new friends & feel welcome . i think its awesome that these 2 landlords r putting so much effort into creating a cozy atmosphere at their pubs 👍 . Morton's knitting night sounds like a great idea lol who knew knitting could be social 💁‍♀️ ! and Osborne's approach to raising prices is clever , ppl will come for the vibes & stay for the drinks 🤪 . its all about making customers feel part of the family , not just a customer 👫 . and can we talk about how much ppl love sitting down now instead of standing at the bar ? i think thats just how society's changed 📊
 
I mean can you believe how things have changed? Gone are the days when people would just stand there sippin' on a pint and not even bother to say hello 😂. Nowadays, it's all about creatin' a vibe and makin' people feel welcome. I've been to some of these new-fangled pubs and they're actually pretty cool! They got music events, board game nights... it's like one big ol' family party 🎉. And you know what's even better? The regulars become like part of the furniture! You get to know 'em, they get to know you... it's like havin' your own little community right there in the pub 🍺. Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I remember when pubs were all about standin' at the bar and drinkin' fast ⏱️. But times change, and so do people. It's all about adaptin' and makin' sure everyone feels like they belong 👥.
 
I mean, pubs are like the heartbeat of communities, you know? They're not just places to grab a pint and watch the footy, they're actually hubs for socializing and building relationships 🍺💬. These landlords are onto something by creating events and activities that bring people together - it's all about making customers feel welcome and part of the family 👪. And I think it's so cool that they're prioritizing community and connection over just serving drinks 💛. It's like, pubs should be places where you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and just be yourself 🌟.
 
Pubs are like community centers, you know? They're not just places to grab a pint, they're where people come together, share stories, and make memories 🍺👥. I mean, who doesn't love a good music night or game night at the pub? It's all about creating that welcoming vibe, making customers feel like part of the crew 😊. And it's not just about the drinks, it's about the experience, you know?

I think what's interesting is how pubs are adapting to the changing times. With more people sitting down and less standing at the bar, there's a loss of that social interaction 🤔. But, like Jason said, it's all about finding ways to engage with customers and make them feel welcome. And, let's be real, who doesn't love a good price hike to attract new faces? 😂 It's all about creating that sense of belonging and making pubs the heart of their communities ❤️.

As long as we keep those community vibes going, I think pubs will always thrive 🍻💕. They're not just places to grab a drink, they're a hub for connection and conversation 💬.
 
I don't usually comment but... I feel like pubs are becoming more than just places to grab a pint 🍺. They're actually spaces for people to connect and build relationships, which is really beautiful. Coby and Jason seem to be doing a great job of creating these welcoming atmospheres, where customers can just relax and be themselves.

I'm loving the board game nights and knitting nights they have - who knew those things could bring people together? 🤝 It's also interesting that they're focusing on making regular customers feel like part of the family. I mean, we all need a home away from home sometimes, right?

It makes sense that pubs are shifting to more casual settings, with people preferring to sit down and chat over drinks. Maybe it's not about standing at the bar anymore, but about having a space where you can really connect with others... anyway, just something I found interesting 😊
 
🤔 I think it's kinda cool that these pub landlords are all about creating a homey vibe, like music events and board game nights 🎲, it really helps break down the barrier for new people to come in. But let's be real, it's also pretty basic – every pub does that stuff nowadays 🙄. What's interesting is how they're adapting to the changing times, like Osborne raising drink prices and playing music for a crowd of all ages 🎶. And I'm all about those community vibes too 💕, but it's not just about being friendly and welcoming, it's also about offering something unique that sets your pub apart from the rest 👍.
 
I'm tellin' ya, it's like back in my day... you know, when pubs were all about standin' at the bar sippin' pints with mates 🍺👥? Nowadays, everyone's just chillin' at tables like they own the place 🤯. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad people are relaxin', but it's a shame 'cause those pub nights were always the best – you'd hear all sorts of stories and laughter ringin' through the air 😂.

I remember when my mate's pub used to have a live band on every weekend 🎸. It was like a mini music festival in there! And now, it's more about the food and the atmosphere, but I think that's where pubs are losin' their magic – they're not social hubs anymore 👋. I mean, what's happenin' to the old pub banter? You know, the jokes and the teasing between strangers 🤣? It's like we've lost that special somethin' that made pubs so special in the first place 💔.

Anyway, kudos to these two landlords for tryin' new things and keepin' their pubs alive 🎉. Maybe I'm just bein' old-fashioned, but I think there's still a place for good ol' fashioned pub culture in this crazy world 🌎.
 
I dont get why pubs gotta be so expensive now 🤑... its like theyre trying to make us go home or something. i mean i love a good pint but 10 quid is just too much. do you guys still have those deal nights where u can get a few pints for cheap? and whats with the music nights? i dont know if thats really my thing... but hey, if its what makes ppl happy then good for them i guess 🎉
 
Pubs are literally like community hubs nowadays 🍺👥 I mean, think about it. They used to be places where everyone would stand at the bar, chatting and having a pint, but now people are more likely to sit down with friends and just chill 🛋️. It's like we've lost some of that social vibe, you know? But pubs are trying to adapt by hosting these events and stuff, like music nights and board game nights 😎. And it's working! People love those things and they bring everyone together. I think the key is just being friendly and welcoming, like Coby said 🤗. Make customers feel like they're part of something, you know?
 
I'm tellin' ya, back in my day... we didn't need all these fancy events and whatnot to make a pub feel like home. Just a pint down the bar and some decent craic with the lads was all you needed 🍺👊. But I guess times have changed and people want more than just a quick drink now. Music nights, board game nights, knitting... it's all just a bunch of nonsense 😂. I mean, I've got mates who are into that sorta thing, but it's not for everyone. What really matters is the atmosphere, innit? Make 'em feel welcome, like part of the furniture, and they'll be back for more 🤗. And don't even get me started on drink prices... raise 'em if you can, mate! 👍
 
I'm so done with these modern pubs 🤦‍♂️. They're always trying to be some sort of community hub or whatever. Newsflash: I don't want to play board games with strangers while enjoying a pint 🎲. And don't even get me started on the knitting nights... like, what's next? Knitting circles?! 😳 I mean, I'm happy for people who enjoy that sorta thing, but it's just not my vibe.

And have you noticed how they're always raising prices to attract new customers? Like, no thanks. If I want a cheap pint, I'll go somewhere else. And what's up with all the music events? Can't we just have a quiet night in anymore?! 🎶
 
omg u guyz i cant even believe how ppl r still killin it with pubs!!! 🍺😂 i mean its not easy keepin it alive n all that, but coby n jason are doin somethin right! 🤩 they talk about makin a welcomin atmosphere n stuff, like music events n board game nights, n honestly its so genius!! who doesnt love a good pint n some friendly competition? 💡 i also lovin how they emphasize the importance of community n making ppl feel welcome, n that makes total sense! 😊 its not just about servin drinks n makin cash, its about creatin memories n makin people happy 🎉
 
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