With industry bosses warning that around 70% of pubs are in danger of going out of businesses, calls have been for the government to get back to work and unveil packages to get them through the next six months.

However, publicans from one end of the Shotley peninsula to the other have vowed to battle on sonf outlined the sort of help they need.

Paul Chenery, landlord of the Bull at Brantham along with wife Gemma, has called on the new prime minister Liz Truss and her cabinet ministers to provide support in things such as energy price capping for the trade, VAT, and business rates.

Paul and Gemma Chenery

His appeal has been backed by Sarah Pallant, who runs the Rose Inn, Shotley who has also asked for a cut in value added tax for pub sales, while forcing a level playing field to be able to match supermarket alcohol sales.

Paul, who runs the Bull with wife Gemma, has been battered by bad luck over the past three years including a kitchen fire on New Years Eve, storms wiping out marquees and being forced to close two days before Mothers Day as Covid 19 forced a lockdown.

But. along with many others in the hospitality, Paul is genuinely concerned about the future and while he will fight on, admits they could cease trading if the government does not help out.

"I am worried," said Paul. "Even with everything that has happened to us us, this is the worst we have known it.

"We are genuinely concerned, like many others, we may not survive.

"The bottom line is we are fortunate with a decent landlord but the worst scenario is we cease trading and instead of a pub here it will be half a dozen new homes."

Not only would that mean regulars losing their pub, and things like the well attended Meet Up Wednesday scheme going, but many other local independent traders will be affected.

Paul added: "If we were to close it would affect so many other small businesses." said Paul. "Andy the butcher, Hannah the fishmonger, Fosters are another local company we use.

"The knock on effect is huge."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is due to outline plans on Friday from the Conservatives, who have been in power for the past 12 years, how they plan to help businesses.

Paul is among publicans calling for a reduction in VAT, by half at least, as it was during lockdown.

Sarah Pallant Shotley Rose

As well as looking at VAT, business rates and energy costs, Shotley Rose landlady Sarah Pallant has called on the government to look at making alcohol sales fairer across the board.

"One of the biggest things for small pubs like us is the price of alcohol in supermarkets," said Sarah. "All we ask is a level playing field.

"People can buy drink in supermarket at much lower prices and that pricing structure needs to change."

The Rose holds many community events and Sarah is determined to keep going.

CAMRA award winning Tattingstone Wheatsheaf

She added: "It is what it is and we will fight on.

"I'm very fortunate with the landlady I have for the building.

"We also have wonderful customers and the support of he community. On top of that I have lovely, reliable staff and others who will help out if needed."

Meanwhile Paul and Gemma are drawing up their own plans on how to survive.

"Energy bills are ridiculous," said Paul, "so we are going to have to seriously consider when to open. Do we open at 9 and then close at 9 for example?

"There are no lights coming up the hill other than ours.

"Heating is massive, it costs a fortune to heat the place so we are considering closing half the restaurant or just use the bars which are easier to heat.

"We have a lovely venue but we are going to have to cut it back and people want the views.

"We may have to close earlier."

The Outlook, Wherstead

Given the rural location of the peninsula pubs, Paul feels they are in more danger than their urban colleagues.

"If you are in town then you have half a chance," said Paul. "Possibly the Greyhound for example, excellent pub, they may do better but rural pubs are already really struggling.

"We are a destination pub and we have noticed since lockdown the drop in trade.

"We can't do like the chains do with two meals for the price of one.

"But even those pubs with money behind them are struggling."

The Shipwreck

Publicans have been sharing tips on how to save money and Paul revealed some measures they have taken.

He said: "Speaking to other pubs and they ave been turning on coffee machine last minute, fridges even beer chillers, people moan about warm beer but this is what we have to look at. It is penny pinching but it is really scary.

"It is demoralising. We like to think we can get past Christmas but it is tough.

Paul insists any package is long overdue and has not been impressed by the government's lack of action through the spring and summer.

He said: "I don't understand how the energy prices have soared like they have and the Government has done nothing.

"They went on holiday all summer, did nothing. Now this and still we don't really know what they are going to do.

"All these strikes are going on, people just don't have money. We have cost of living crisis but they have done nothing.

"The government has to do more, not just for us, but everyone. I'm not one for handouts but we just need a proper structure."

CAMRA award winning Tattingstone Wheatsheaf

"CAMRA is urging the Prime Minister to take urgent action to introduce an energy price cap to help the UK's world-famous pubs and breweries with the astronomical energy bills which threaten to destroy livelihoods and close scores of pubs for good.

"If pubs increased prices for consumers at the same rate as their energy bills, we would be paying £15 or £20 per pint at the bar – which obviously isn't viable.

"Without help reaching them quickly many businesses that survived the pandemic will be forced to close their doors for good with devastating consequences for communities up and down the country."

Another universal issue has been the difficulty in recruiting staff since lockdown and Brexit.

"We pay above minimum wages, tips are shared equally after each shift.

"We advertise but it is no use 15-year-olds getting their mums to phone. That is not the answer. we need reliable, long term staff."

With the Compasses in Holbrook and the Bakers Arms in Harkstead already closed, it is concerning they may not reopen, and others on the peninsula could follow.

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