Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A pub landlord is using his business as a warm hub to help vulnerable members of the community, having experienced his own struggles.

Jonny Harris, landlord of the Fisherman’s Rest in Bedwas, is offering food, drink and a warm space for all who need it.

Due to a combination of cold weather and the cost-of-living crisis, Mr Harris made the decision in December to freely offer a warm space in his pub, where residents could get together and get through the winter months. 

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mr Harris highlighted how everyone is struggling at the moment and said: “The pub is open anyway and the heating is always on, so it makes sense.

“We already had some who came and had free tea and coffee. I think a lot of people have felt lonely, especially after the pandemic.” 

Mr Harris himself has struggled since buying the lease to the pub in 2019. During Storm Dennis in February 2020, the pub flooded. A month later, he was forced to close due to the pandemic.

Mr Harris knows all too well what it’s like to need support.

“It’s a sad time to be in the industry at the moment”, Mr Harris said. “We have felt the pinch over the years but we’re managing. The same can’t be said for many other pubs in the area.”

When asked if the act of generosity has improved business, Mr Harris said that while it hasn’t made much of a difference financially, that was never the point. He said: “We’re looking to take it further and offer some form of travel service so nobody is left out.”

Although Mr Harris was keen to emphasise that the Fisherman’s Rest is at no risk of closing, the cost-of-living crisis has made things extremely difficult. He said running an independent pub “isn’t viable anymore”.

He added: “Beer products are up 30% since I took over. The pub is open around 70 hours a week and we’re still struggling.

“We’ll weather the storm – our takeaway service has really put us on the map – but even so, business rates are going up in April and we aren’t receiving any support.”