The last pint but Atherstone 'not beaten' as it awakes to a coronavirus morning-after-the-night-before hangover like no other
By Nick Hudson
22nd Mar 2020 | Local News
A half-finished pint of beer and a solitary figure sipping coffee next to a closed Atherstone pub summed up a nation's plight this Mother's Day weekend – down but not beaten by the coronavirus hangover.
For Ash Warren and his fiancée Charlotte Mayfield the locked doors of the Market Tavern mean not only a loss of income and a business put into mothballs, but a way life.
Their pub, like countless others, bring communities together in a cosy, intimate connection like no other.
But following Friday's bombshell announcement from Boris Johnson that all pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants along with leisure centre and gyms must close in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19, the Market Tavern has taken its medicine from this deadly dose of bacteria – with a message of defiance against the common enemy.
It took to social media, posting a 'Back Soon' image, announcing: "We'd like to thank everyone who has supported us, not only in this very odd situation we find ourselves in, but since we came here, everyone has been incredible from the moment we joined Atherstone."
Ms Mayfield said the pub would remain closed "until our strong, determined country beats this virus", adding: "We wish everyone the very best health and very much look forward to being able to announce our re-opening party soon."
Nub News took to the streets of Atherstone and district to bring you images of people still going about their weekend shopping.
Bakers W C Masters and Greggs in Long Street were doing good business while Nubs News revealed yesterday that Bates Butchers had asked for its queue of customers to keep a "reasonable distance apart" and only to enter the Market Street shop "when you are next to be served".
Elsewhere, the notices pinned to doors and scribbled on billboards told their own story.
The sign on the door of St Peter's Church, Mancetter, said the Roman Mancetter & Boudica Heritage Centre is "closed until further notice".
The Red Lion Hotel's big old coaching inn door was firmly shut.
The Clock indicated to customers it was closed as did its near neighbour, Atherstone Leisure Centre.
Meanwhile, The Legion announced it was suspending its normal Irish and bonus ball lotteries.
Again on an optimistic note, it promised to "restart the Saturday we reopen".
The whole country had been advised to adopt the #StayHomeSaveLives motto now adorning Bopris Johnson's own Twitter account and Nubs News re-iterates checking on the latest coronavirus guidance update.
New atherstone Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: atherstone jobs
Share:
