The unfolding Annus horribilis for public houses continues with scant hope of a return to any semblance of normality in 2020. We checked in with Oisín Davis, co-owner of The Virgin Mary.
How do you feel about the prospects for the pub trade at the moment?
The uncertainty around future regulations is maddening. But we all have to remain positive and explore every potential revenue stream and support mechanism to survive – from unique take away offerings to renegotiating rental agreements.
Those who can, are pivoting, how have you been doing this?
We have an unparalleled collection of alcohol free products in TVM, a lot of which are unavailable elsewhere and we import ourselves. So we put together deliverable kits to help us sell them, such as the Alcohol Free Beer Starter Kit and the current, Sober October Kit.
It’s helped to keep our regulars happy and the wolves from the door.
What is the best case/realistic scenario for the rest of 2020?
I think we should try and take back giving so much of our potential incomes to all the Deliveroos and Ubereats. We need every penny available, they don’t.
Sober October kit from thevirginmarybar.com
