PUBS have had to get creative in order to keep themselves afloat this year – and one pub which usually thrives due to trade in the summer months was hit particularly hard.

The Peterboat, situated in Old Leigh, boasts a stunning beer garden overlooking the Thames Estuary.

The seafront location makes it the ideal place for many south Essex punters to go and enjoy a pint under the sun.

But the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in non-essential businesses, including our favourite boozers, being shut and they were made to deal with an extensive period of time where customers were unable to walk through the doors.

The closure led to establishments such as the Peterboat missing out on months of trade and David Perl, duty manager of the watering hole, is hoping to bounce back from this year’s setback.

He said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult year from a business perspective.

“The owners, the East Anglia Pub Company, have been trying to cover for the lost revenue and people in our head office had trouble paying all staff when their was no money coming into the pub.

Echo:

Historic watering hole - the Peterboat has been situated on the banks of the Thames Estuary for hundreds of years

“We didn’t really have a summer - and that is when we have a lot of customers coming in, generally - and there were problems with putting members of staff on furlough.

“It’s great to be open again now and we just hope we are not forced to close again.”

Mr Perl admits there were originally fears that the coronavirus pandemic could force the much-loved establishment, which boasts records dating back to 1757, to close for good.

He added: “While we were closed in the initial lockdown period, we were worried for the future.

“But we were pleased to welcome our regular customers back when we reopened and people just wanted to get out after being stuck indoors for so long.

SEE ALSO

“If we had been made to remain shut for longer, it’s difficult to know what could have happened to the business.

“Thankfully, it hasn’t come to that.”

The Peterboat have also adjusted to the latest government restrictions by offering substantial meal options when punters head to the pub.

Rather than getting embroiled in the controversy of whether a scotch egg should be seen as a substantial meal, they have created a Tier 2 menu which includes a beefburger, chilli, scampi, sausage and mash or beer battered halloumi for £4.95.

Every week we will be unveiling our Pub of the Week as we look to champion local pubs across south Essex. To nominate your own pub or somewhere you enjoy visiting, simply complete our online form.