As the Aigburth Arms became the 18th pub to open in the Blind Tiger Inns estate, it wasn’t just any ordinary grand opening evening on Friday 20th March. Just six hours after opening, the pub was forced to close as hospitality venues across the country were ordered to close due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Just hours before the announcement came at 5pm; team members, tradesmen and cleaners were all rallying around to put the final touches to a two long week refurbishment. The refurbishment saw a £100,000 investment into the Liverpool pub with both the interior and exterior of the pub being massively improved. The front of the pub was redesigned to make space for a large beer garden and the inside was completely changed to accommodate both those who wanted to watch sports as well as those who were there to dine and relax.
The doors opened to the general public just as the Prime Minister was making his announcement about pubs having to close that evening. What normally would be an exciting atmosphere with residents coming to have a first look at their new local and regulars coming for their 5pm Friday pints; quickly turned into a sombre atmosphere in a matter of seconds.
At 11pm that night, just six hours after opening; team members began unloading fridges after stocking them all up just hours before. Spirits were taken down from their optics, ovens were turned off, cash was counted and put in the safe and all the lights were turned off as the Aigburth Arms closed for an unknown amount of days, weeks and months.
Andy Kelly, Manager of the Aigburth Arms commented:
“From the moment I found out I was going to be managing the Aigburth Arms, I was so excited and ready for the challenge. Never in a million years did I expect to be opening and closing my pub on the same day. What would normally be one of the best days of running a pub turned into my worst nightmare.
Seeing those lights all turned off and having to drive away from the pub for an unknown amount of time was really hard. I am just looking forward now to the future and getting ready for when we can open and absolutely smash it!”
