Peterborough pub landlord’s takeout treats for ale lovers

Bram - landlord of the Hand & Heart in Highbury Street - hit on the idea as soon as the Government’s Covid-19 measures forced pubs to close in March.

He says closing completely was not really an option with a cellar to keep in tip top condition and with a large delivery having just arrived.

“We basically got four hours notice and I had almost £3,000 of stock in that very week, meaning I had a cellar full of beer to get rid of,” he said.

“I have a licence for off-sales - drinks consumed off the premises - so I decided I would carry on with the off-sales in a safe way.

“It is a separate, mini-business within my pub operation.

“It is doing okay, we are hanging in and ticking over.”

Bram says staying open also allows him to be ready for when pubs get the green light to welcome customers back in, potentially from July 4.

“You have got to be prepared to reopen, whenever that might be,“ he added. “I have a good reputation for my beer (it is a former CAMRA Peterborough pub of the year) and to close for good might have meant being forgotten. This is a little back street boozer and we have enough trouble getting people in where we are.”

Bram has between four and seven cask beers available at any time and opens from 3pm to 6pm, seven days a week, adhering to social distancing measures as he self-isolates.

Most people arrive with four or eight pint sealable containers, “They can take it away in any container they like as long as it can be sealed,” he added.

Andy Simmonds, landlord of The Ploughman, at Werrington, also launched takeaway beer at his former CAMRA pub of the year last week.

He has a selection of beers and real ciders available in two-pint reusable containers, or visitors can use their own.