Meal-for-£1 host vows to quit trade

Tony Rabbitts, of the Four Crosses in Cannock, introduced a £1 menu in October 2009 to help fight the pressures of the economic downturn and smoking ban, and the pub offered a traditional Christmas meal for £1.99.

He had not been paying extra for labour as he works with his wife and two children at the pub.

Rabbitts had told the PMA that he made about 50% GP on every meal and took more than 100 covers daily.

But while drinks sales made money, trade overall dropped after Christmas and it became too difficult to make a profit, especially given the pub’s rural location.

Rabbitts told the PMA that he is handing it back to Marston’s to seek a fresh start, away from the trade.

“It was just a financial decision in the end. We were spending more than £800 per week just to keep the doors open — the rent was ridiculous, and utility rates are going up and up.

“The cheap meals were just a way of getting the people in. With the credit crunch and smoking ban, trade was just dropping and dropping [in 2009] and we had to do something to pull people back into the pub.

“People’s lifestyles are changing — they are spending all their time on the internet, ordering take-away food and buying cheap beer from the supermarkets.

“We have four weeks left and I am quite looking forward to it. I have done my 10 years and will be leaving the trade totally. It is time to move on.”

A Marston’s spokesperson said: “Tony signed a new agreement with us six months ago, when he was happy with new terms and conditions we suggested.

“We’re surprised he’s now decided to hand in his notice and wish him well.”