'Drinking was big!' Pub landlords – one gen Z, one 66 – discuss how they stay open in an age of sobriety

Here's an edited version of the conversation between Jason Osborne and Coby Morton, with some minor reorganizing and clarifying:

**The Challenges of Running a Pub**

Jason Osborne (EO): I took over my Winchester pub, the Eclipse Inn, when it was broken. To turn it around, I raised prices.

Coby Morton (CM): One thing that's helped us at The Dolphin Inn is hosting more music events. They may not be profitable every time, but they bring in customers who might not have otherwise come in.

EO: We've also had success with community-driven nights like board game nights and knitting nights. These create a welcoming atmosphere.

**Managing Customers**

CM: One of the biggest challenges we face is dealing with difficult customers. I recall a couple who were rude to us when they couldn't get what they wanted. But instead of getting angry, I just offered them a nice bottle of wine as a gesture of goodwill.

EO: I had an unusual experience with a customer once – their Staffordshire bull terrier was lying on someone else's jacket, and they thought it belonged to the dog's owner! We ended up putting out a post on Facebook to reunite them with their pet.

**The Importance of Regulars**

CM: One couple came in for their first date at our pub about a year ago, and later got married there. Moments like these remind me why we need communal spaces like pubs to thrive.

EO: Similarly, I've had couples meet in my Winchester pub and get engaged or married there. These experiences are what make our jobs worthwhile.

**The Decline of Socializing**

CM: Unfortunately, people seem less inclined to stand up and chat at the bar these days. It's a shame because that's where the conversations tend to be.

EO: I agree – when people sit at tables, they're not as likely to strike up conversations with others. It's become more about individualized experiences rather than communal ones.

**Advice for Each Other**

EO: Jason is obviously very experienced and knows what works best. My advice would be to keep smiling, greet customers warmly, and make sure they leave happy.

CM: And I think Coby should come visit me at the Raven – there'll be a pint waiting on the bar!

Note that some minor rephrasing and condensing was done to improve the flow of the conversation.

I'm thinking pubs are becoming more like homes than social hubs . People want to bring their own stuff, like board games or yarns, to create a cozy atmosphere. I mean, who needs strangers when you've got your own crew? But at the same time, it's sad that we don't see as many new faces walking through those doors. Pubs were always about community, but now it feels like they're just another place to grab a drink and stare at our screens . Do pubs still feel like welcoming spaces to you?

pubs still got it they're all about community vibes atm, music events & stuff like that bring in new faces but also create a welcoming atmosphere for regulars who become like family i mean, couples meet at pubs get engaged/married there, its magic and yeah customer service is key but you gotta make an effort to engage with people too

I'm literally getting so frustrated thinking about how pubs have become social oases . I mean, Jason and Coby's conversation was spot on - they need community-driven nights and welcoming atmosphere (no pun intended). But what really got me is that people are too caught up in individualized experiences now . They just sit at tables, staring at their phones, and not even bother to say hi . And it's not like it's a huge deal, but where's the human connection? It's like we're all just lost souls wandering around, searching for meaning in our pint glasses .

I know Jason has been running his pub for ages now, and he's clearly got some tricks up his sleeve. But seriously, can't we just make an effort to be more social, you know? Let's raise a glass (or two) to the pubs that are still keeping it real

I gotta say, pubs are more than just places where you grab a drink . They're community hubs, you know? Like Jason said, hosting events can bring in new customers. And those regulars who come back time and again... they're what keep it all going . I've been to some amazing weddings and milestones at my local pub, and it's just awesome to see people connect over a pint . It's like, we need more of that kind of vibe in our lives, you know? Less scrolling through socials and more actual human interaction .

I feel like pubs are really missing out on the social vibe . They used to be places where you'd meet new people, make friends, or just have a good old chat with someone over a pint . Now it's all about individual experiences and everyone's too busy staring at their phones . I went to this music event at a pub last year and it was actually really cool – people were chatting, laughing, and having a great time . It made me realize how much we're losing out on the communal aspect of socializing. Maybe pubs just need to adapt and find new ways to make people feel welcome and included ?

pubs r still alive and kickin' i mean, think about it, people are actually willing to pay for overpriced beer and mediocre food just to hang out with their mates . community-driven nights are a game changer – who needs Netflix when you've got knitting and board games? but seriously, dealing with difficult customers is key... like when the staffy's jacket was mistaken for its owner's . all jokes aside tho, pubs r more than just a place to drink – they're where memories are made . so, if u haven't checked out your local pub lately, grab ur mates and go

The thing is, pubs aren't just about serving drinks, they're about creating a space for people to come together, have a laugh, and make memories . It's all about building those connections, you know? Those community-driven nights Jason talked about are super important – they show that the pub cares about its customers, not just their wallets . We should be focusing on building relationships rather than just making sales .

I feel like pubs are becoming less social . People just sit alone sipping their drinks instead of chatting with others at the bar. I've noticed this too when I go out with friends, we all end up sitting at a table and not really talking to anyone else. It's like people have lost that desire to connect with strangers. We need places like pubs where you can just walk in and meet new people or make some acquaintances.

so i wonder if pubs like these will ever go back to how they used to be? it seems like everyone's always in a rush nowadays & doesn't wanna chat to strangers but at the same time, they do bring people together - i mean remember those board game nights & knitting nights that coby mentioned? that kinda stuff can create such a cozy atmosphere where ppl just wanna hang out & be themselves

i also feel like pubs are kind of a lost art these days... like how they used to be the heart of the community, now it's all about individualized experiences like online shopping or whatever what do u guys think?

I totally get why pubs are struggling these days . Socializing, as we know it, seems to have gone out the window. Everyone's too busy staring at their screens or chatting with their mates on the phone . It's a shame because that's where some of the best conversations happen – over a pint and some good company ️. I remember when my grandkids were younger, we'd always have family gatherings at our pub (we're retired, so it was basically our home ) and everyone would mingle, laugh, and just enjoy each other's company . Nowadays, it feels like people are more interested in individual experiences than communal ones. As Jason said, keep smiling, greet customers warmly, and make them feel welcome . That's the key to keeping pubs thriving!

I'm totally obsessed with pubs and how they bring people together! You guys are right, it's all about creating a welcoming atmosphere. I mean, who doesn't love a good board game night or knitting night? It's amazing how something as simple as that can turn customers into regulars.

And don't even get me started on community-driven events – music nights are the best! But what really gets me is when pubs become more than just a place to grab a drink. Like, Jason and Coby had couples meet at their pub and get engaged or married there? That's love in the making!

I'm totally with Coby on this – people do seem less inclined to stand up and chat at the bar these days. It's like individualized experiences are more important than communal ones. But, I mean, who needs that when you can have a pint and some good conversation?

Ugh, pubs are just getting better and better . But seriously, I think what Jason and Coby do is super smart. Like, hosting events and stuff helps attract new people who might not have tried your pub before. And the community nights? Genius! They make everyone feel welcome.

And don't even get me started on how they handle difficult customers – just being nice and offering them a free drink can turn their day around. Like, I've had my share of weird customer experiences (like that one dog owner incident lol), but it's all good because people are generally pretty chill.

But what really gets me is when people stop chatting with each other at the bar. Like, where's the fun in sitting alone on your phone? Pubs are meant to be social spaces, right? Jason and Coby know exactly how to make that happen.

Anyway, if I had to give advice, I'd say just be yourself (or whatever you're like ), smile a lot, and try to make everyone leave happy. Easy peasy!

pubs are so underrated i mean, who needs fancy restaurants when you can have a cozy spot with great beer and good vibes? Jason Osborne's strategy of raising prices seems kinda harsh tho, maybe he should've started by offering discounts or promotions to get people in the door? but honestly, hosting events like music nights or community-driven nights sounds like an amazing way to bring in new customers and create a loyal following

I gotta say, pubs are really struggling these days . It's not just about the money, it's also about creating a welcoming space for people to socialize. I mean, who doesn't love a good chat over a pint? Jason and Coby are doing some great things by hosting events and community nights – it's all about building that connection with your customers.

And honestly, dealing with difficult customers can be tough, but it's how you handle it that matters. Offering them a nice gesture of goodwill, like Coby did, is a great way to diffuse the situation and turn them into regulars.

It's also refreshing to see people coming together in pubs – whether it's a first date or a wedding, these spaces are really important for creating memories. And I think we've lost something by moving away from those communal experiences... let's get back to chatting at the bar!

I gotta disagree with these pub owners about the music events... I mean, they're not gonna make money every time, and all it does is create a rowdy atmosphere that drives away regulars who just wanna have a quiet pint . And don't even get me started on the customer service vibes - if you can't handle a few difficult customers, then maybe running a pub isn't for you . And as for the importance of regulars, I think that's overrated... people are all about convenience these days and will just order online or something instead of sitting in a pub .

I'm so glad these pub owners are sharing their stories about hosting events and creating welcoming spaces for customers . It's like, I get it, socializing has become super casual (read: lazy ) nowadays, but there's still something special about stumbling upon a great conversation with strangers over a pint of your favorite brew.

I mean, Jason and Coby are living proof that pubs aren't just about serving drinks, they're about community . Those moments when customers come back year after year because the pub has become their second home? Priceless . We need more places like The Dolphin Inn and the Eclipse Inn, where people can gather, chat, and feel at ease.

I think what's really missing is that sense of human connection – we're all so busy staring at our screens , it's hard to put ourselves out there and start conversations. But pubs offer a safe space for that to happen, you know? And I'm all about supporting local businesses that make an effort to bring people together .

I'm gonna say what everyone else is thinking , pubs are overrated! I mean, think about it, you're paying good money to sit in a crowded room with strangers who are probably more interested in their phones than having a convo. And don't even get me started on the prices, they're highway robbery!

I'm not convinced pub owners like Jason Osborne are being entirely honest about their financials . Raising prices might sound good in theory, but what about those customers who struggle to make ends meet? It's all about profit margins, right? Meanwhile, hosting more music events and community nights can be great for building a loyal customer base, but what about the financial investment required to make it happen?

I feel like pubs in today's fast-paced world are all about efficiency, but sometimes you need to take a step back and focus on the little things, like creating a welcoming atmosphere . I mean, think about it - Jason and Coby's music events and community nights might not make a profit every time, but they bring people together, right? That's what makes for real connections .

And it got me thinking, in our daily lives, we're always so focused on getting stuff done quickly, like trying to keep up with work emails or social media notifications . But sometimes, slowing down and engaging with others is exactly what we need - it can be as simple as striking up a conversation at the office water cooler or chatting with a stranger in line .

I guess what I'm saying is, don't underestimate the power of human connection! Take time to get to know the people around you, and who knows, you might just find yourself part of something special .