PODCAST: Why one pub stayed open and one shut during the coronavirus outbreak

The pub trade continues to battle for survival in unprecedented times, which has seen all venues across the country shut their doors to the public.

In this special episode of The MA Podcast​, two operators recount their journeys during the pandemic so far.

Heath Ball of the Red Lion and Sun in Highgate, north London, outlines how he has created a takeaway and delivery offer from his site to ensure the community continues to receive vital food supplies, especially elderly patrons who can't make their way to the local shops.

Ball explains why it is wrong to focus on profit in the current climate and why the current set-up is right for his team and customers.

Also, Brendan Padfield of Suffolk pub the Unruly Pig talks through the mixed emotions he had when making the decision to shut his award-winning gastropub to protect his staff and customers.

Padfield had started a takeaway food offer, but decided it wasn't the right move for his business or staff as the pandemic worsened.

He also speaks about the dire need for the Government to step in and help self-employed people across the UK, saying, by far, it’s not just the pub trade that is facing such hardships.

The British Beer & Pub Association policy director Andrew Tighe sets out the current rules affecting pubs that the Government has put in place.

All of this and more in an earlier-than-usual April edition of The MA Podcast.​