We’ve learned from COVID that that we’re going to need to nurture our communities, our heritage, and small businesses, and what institution embodies these more than the local pub?

A recent report shows without greater government support 72% of pubs don’t expect to survive, at a potential loss of 750,000 jobs. Perhaps worse off are small hospitality suppliers like Branscombe Ales Brewery where owner Paul Dimond tells me, “the furlough has been a great help with the lads’ wages, but as for other bills businesses down the supply chain are getting no help whatsoever.”

Pubs have at least benefited from bricks-and-mortar grants, but many landlords have worked all year without pay. The Talbot Arms in Uplyme have adapted their bar with a sturdy COVID frame and added screened garden seating by the riverbank. They offer lockdown takeaway Mon, Wed and Fri; 5 pm to 8:30 pm (bookings 01297 443136). Their decorations are up, and they will offer socially distanced Christmas bookings aimed at locals.

Hunters Lodge at Raymonds Hill is closed for lockdown. The landlady tells me “the government has been supportive, but it’s been tough without any income this year”. From December they will be running a variety of festive specials each week: simply turn up and order on the day.

At Smallridge’s Ridgeway Inn they are “just about coping”, are taking Christmas bookings on 01297 32171 and putting up decorations “in hope”. Up at the Tytherleigh Arms they are taking orders by noon for takeaway fish and chips on Fridays (collection 5-8 pm) and Christmas bookings, both at info@tytherleigharms.com.

The George at Chardstock has been a COVID business victim and villagers are appealing EDDC’s rejection of extending Asset of Community Value (ACV) status. A local feels it’s “one of many pubs owned by conglomerates who have little interest in the communities in which they are situated and charge ridiculous city-level rents.” Another COVID business closure, the Yarcombe Inn – which was at one point run by volunteers – has had its community asset status successfully renewed through September 2025.

A poster child for community benefit societies is the thriving Kings Arms in Stockland with its 275 community shareholders. Chair Damian Clay says their model is the way forward, and that rapacious landlords are often to blame for closures. The tenants have chosen to source fish, meat and vegetables locally and sustainably even producing their own quail on site. They are doing lockdown takeaways Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday lunchtime, including ales in flip-top glass bottles, taking Christmas bookings, and opening Christmas Day for drinks (01404 881 686).

The Cotley at Wambrook has won a Taste of the West Gold Award while closed for lockdown.

The Tuckers Arms in Dalwood’s is doing takeaway / 2-mile deliveries Tues-Sat, and real ales Fri-Sun (order 24 hours ahead 01404 881 342, pick up 10 am or 5:30 pm). The New Inn in Kilmington, where new landlords Georgie and Steve took over in November, are offering a lockdown menu and Dorset Gold real ale takeaway Tues-Sun (booking 01297 33376 or 07944 297 931, pickup 12-2 pm or 5-7 pm). The Old Inn on the A35 is closed for lockdown, but rumour has it a former Jack in the Green sous-chef will soon be serving up ”Kilmington Fried Chicken” there.

The Hind in Musbury is closed, but planning 5th December post-lockdown curry night and taking Christmas bookings (01297 553553). Both the White Hart and the Wheelwright at Colyford are closed for lockdown, but the latter is taking Christmas bookings at contact@thewheelwrightinn.co.uk. In Axmouth, the Harbour Inn is closed for lockdown, while the Ship Inn is offering takeaway and free local delivery on an extensive menu Mon-Sat noon-2 pm and 5:30- 8 pm, Sunday noon-3 pm and 5-8 pm with bookings at 01297 21120.

These pubs are taking their public health responsibilities seriously. Support from the public and the government will help them continue serving their communities.

Liz Pole 07485 194 779

An article written for https://www.midweekherald.co.uk/

Liz Pole, Business and Community Columnist