National brewer decides against reopening of Banburyshire pub on 'Super Saturday' July fourth

Wadworth, a Wiltshire-based brewer, decided not reopen The Falkland Arms pub, located in Great Tew near Chipping Norton, on July fourth like many other pubs across the country.

The Falkland Arms said the following on its Facebook page: "We will be opening, just later than some to ensure everyones safety as we are teenie tiny inside. The heart of the FA is still alive and well and has been getting spruced up over the past 12 weeks ready for that magical day.

"In the meantime we have still been enjoying conversation with our locals and villagers throughout lockdown and helping those in any way we can."

Another post by the brewer on the pub's Facebook page said:

"Wadworth have no plans to open this pub for the foreseeable future. We ask for your patience and support - and we will update on our plans in due course."

And yet another post from the brewer gave another similar message to the public:

"We do not currently have a reopening date, and will not be opening on the 4th of July. This date is but a guideline from the government and not all bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels (like ourselves) will be opening straight away. So we have made a 'Top Tip Guide' pinned to our page to help you plan ahead."

The brewer's website said they are taking a phased approach to reopening their pubs to ensure the 'safest and most enjoyable time for both their guests and team.' Some of the brewer's pub will begin to reopen from July 22, which are listed on their on their website.

Staff and customers took to social media to voice their disappointment after they first learned of The Falkland Arms not being reopened when they saw the brewer post its decision on Facebook.

One staff member Emma Giles commented on the public Facebook post: "This is just so sad for us staff and customers alike. I miss everybody and I miss my job.

"Rather upsetting that us staff see this announcement on FB rather than in our personal emails first? We are all 100% dedicated and loyal to this pub and our valued customers who we love. This is a big kick in the teeth for us all to see this on here first! Inconsiderate post Wadworth."

Another person, Jan Bartlett, who commented on the public Facebook post, said: "This is so upsetting and such bad practice for the Brewery to just coldly issue a blanket post after all the commitment, unsocial hours and loyalty shown by their staff.

"They are writing off what is often the hub of rural communities at a stroke . It will serve them right if they change their minds and find that their loyal, supportive and dedicated staff have gone elsewhere where their efforts are better valued. Staff are people, with families and bills to pay. They are NOT just national insurance numbers. Wadworth....be kinder."

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