The Trent Navigation in Nottingham has been blasted online after announcing they would be open for drinks on Christmas day, but now the owner has hit back at trolls

A pub owner who was branded ‘boring and sad’ for opening on Christmas day has hit back at online trolls.

The Trent Navigation said they would be opening for a few hours today so that their patrons could enjoy a pint if they chose to, as Nottinghamshire Live reports.

But some derided bosses of the pub in Nottingham, saying they were encouraging people to consume alcohol instead of spending time with their loved ones.

And now the pub owner has hit back in a statement online, saying that some people get lonely at Christmas and going to the pub is their only chance to socialise.

What do you think about pubs opening on Christmas day? Let us know in the comments…

When the pub they announced they would be opening, one person posted online: “Why encourage this on Christmas Day? Let people encourage the family get-together instead of encouraging alcohol. Have to be bored and sad to open Xmas Day.”

However, bosses at the pub, in Meadow Lane, said while they respect everyone’s right to their opinion, they felt the negative comment was “short-sighted”.

In a Facebook post, they explained their reasons for opening from 12noon to 3pm on December 25.

They said: “Christmas, for most, is a joyous time of year – full of love, laughter and quality time spent with family and friends.

“But this is simply not the case for all, Christmas can also be a very lonely time for some.

“Given the difficulty we’re all facing during this pandemic, there is a mental health crisis bubbling away under the surface and throw this in with loneliness at this time of year and it can be incredibly difficult for some, especially those without close family and friends to share the big day with.

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“Pubs play an important role in the community and are a safe haven for many, a place where all walks of life can meet safely, socialise and let off steam and look out for one another – to be thought of simply as a place to ‘encourage alcohol’ is, quite frankly, a sad commentary.

“Our doors will always be open for friends old and new – and you if you are bored, then please do toddle on down! Its not ‘sad’ to do so, but if you are sad – its always good to talk.”

They finished by saying an array of non-alcoholic, soft drinks, tea and coffee would be available, too.

The post won the backing of customers. “Lovely gesture to be open for those who want to come down,” said one.

Another commented: “What an absolutely amazing response, well said. Merry Christmas Trent Navigation, what a lovely community you have built.”

“Haven’t been to a pub on Christmas Day for years so we will be coming down and have a drink with friends and the staff who have been excellent throughout all the Covid restrictions,” added a fellow customer.

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