A TYNE VALLEY pub owner has stressed the importance of eating and drinking locally as the hospitality sector remains all but closed under Tier 3 restrictions.

Paul Bowes, of the Black Bull, on Wylam’s Main Road, has been behind the bar of the popular pub for 20 years.

And after a spell in Spain, he is back on the taps as the industry waits in limbo for news on reopening.

But the pub hasn’t been stood idle, for it has undergone a recent reinvestment into its interiors and its garage is being converted into a servery for takeaway food.

The Paul’s to Go food service, developed by new chef Paul Forest, whose worked in kitchens around the world, has proved a hit with local people and has meant that elderly residents who are shielding have not gone without their luxuries.

“The reviews have been fabulous, it’s been really really positive”, said Paul, who runs the pub alongside Julie McPherson. “Everyone has supported it well.

“What you’ve got to remember is that these big boys have shown that they can’t cope under these conditions, and you need your village shops and services to carry on. People need to realise that if you don’t use it, you’re going to lose it.

“It’s a successful pub and we’ve had great support.”

The former grocers, and latterly an abattoir, has been a mainstay in the village for over 100 years, and has established itself in the community as a place for charity events, seeing over £170,000 raised over the years.

And the efforts of Paul and Julie were rewarded in 2005, after the pub was named Pub of the Year three years on the bounce.

However, Paul said it was now a difficult time for the industry.

He said: “It’s a desperate time to be at, a cellar full of beer and no sales.

“We’ve got Dry January, dodgy February, it’s only March when it comes round again. The money we should have made in December to carry us through those months isn’t there - it’s going to be tight.

“Only the fittest will survive, there will be a lot of pubs close.”

Before the Government called last orders, customers had enjoyed being back in their local and had all played by the rules.

“It was a very good time to be in the pub”, said Paul. “But the problem was nobody came out after 8pm, the pub just died.

“They won’t let six people in a bubble in a pub, but let 6,000 down Northumberland Street - it just doesn’t make sense.”

And while publicans and punters alike are looking forward to a return in the not-too-distant future, Paul insisted that health was simply more important.

“Life is more important at Christmas”, he said. “If we’re let out for ten days, we’re going to be back to square one. When January comes, we’ll be back to lockdown again.”

The Government’s tier system is to be reviewed on December 16, and could see looser measures for the North-East. The Black Bull is open for takeaway from 4pm-8pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-4pm Sunday. Enquiries to (01661) 853112.