FOLLOWING the stop-start lockdowns in the pandemic, rising prices in the cost of living crisis, and common lulls in the new year, it would be natural to assume that pubs in St Helens would have really been struggling of late.
And while it can't be said that pubs have not had their fair share of difficulties over the past few years, it seems that in and around St Helens town centre, the appetite is very much there for people to get out and support their local boozer.
After the "nightmare" of covid, where people were kept away from their routines and old haunts, and pubs had to adjust to ever-changing restrictions, Andy Evans suggested that seems to be a re-energised atmosphere of people wanting to meet their friends or family for a pint.
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'Record-breaking' January despite the cost of living crisis
Andy, who runs the award-winning Cricketers Arms on Peter Street just outside the town centre, said that this is evidenced by the pub having a "record-breaking" January in the midst of a cost of living crisis.
Andy said: "Things have been really difficult for hospitality at the moment, and our electricity bills have doubled since the cost of living crisis started.
"We've had to increase our prices slightly but I think customers know we're not ripping them off. We have just got to keep our eyes on what's selling and what's not.
"But we're actually busier than ever and had a record-breaking January last month.
"I don't know if this is people still just wanting to get out after covid or they're coming to us to keep their heating bills down, but long may it continue. Because it really would be worrying if we weren't getting the people in."
Winning the CAMRA National Pub of the Year Award in 2017, the Cricketers has continued to develop its reputation by offering a wide selection of real ales and fresh food as well as building an in-house microbrewery and a garden bar.
The annual Cricks Fest which samples award-winning ales is another way to boost sales in the pub come April, as is a stonebaked pizza oven which is currently in the process of being completed.
Trade busier than usual for the Swan, despite winter lull and cost of living
On Corporation Street, The Swan landlady Angela Hindley said that the winter period is always difficult in the pub trade, so much so that she often does not take a wage so that her other staff can be paid and the pub can continue trading.
And while price increases have been a huge headache for the century-old pub, Angela said that this has been balanced by a busier-than-usual new year.
Angela said: "Things have actually been better than I thought it was going to be, apart from the odd day where it was been really quiet.
"I don't expect to take a wage over winter as I just try to pay my staff and keep our heads above water, and this has only become a bigger problem with the cost of everything going up and our profit margins shrinking.
"But our trade has been really good, which has really helped us at the minute.
"Hopefully, things are only going to get better now that the rugby season is kicking off and more Theatre Royal shows are starting."
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CPO backlash boosting trade, although concerns remain over anti-social behaviour
Announced in December, the council's Compulsory Purchase Order of the Swan is still lingering in the back of Angela's mind, which would see the pub flattened to make way for a new and improved bus station.
However, following public backlash and a petition to 'Save the Swan' reaching almost 2,000 signatures, the landlady said three has been a boost in trade since the plans were announced, with "so many people" coming in to show their support and remembering fond memories of the community pub.
One thing that is affecting evening trade at the Swan, however, is the ongoing antisocial behaviour that has been wreaking havoc in St Helens town centre.
Numerous incidents of disturbance have been reported over the past year, with six arrests and two weapons seized last weekend after youths "threatened door staff" on Westfield Street.
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Lamb renovation a 'gamble' that is paying off
On the other end of Corporation Street, the newly-renovated Lamb Inn has also been keeping a steady line of custom after new owners took the bold decision to relaunch after a pandemic and cost of living crisis.
Licensee Anthony Murtagh re-opened the pub in December, following a huge transformation to offer people a comfortable and traditional boozer in St Helens town centre.
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While the pub trade is always quiet in January, barlady Sarah Cox said that the Lamb has been doing really well since relaunching, with especially busy weekends.
Sarah said: "It is a bit of a gamble to open a pub after a pandemic and cost of living crisis, but things have been going really well.
"The daytime can be pretty quiet, as can be expected in the new year, but weekends are really busy.
"I think there has still been a knock-on effect since relaunching and people are curious about how we look and what we offer.
"I think people have been really enjoying the pub and I'm optimistic and hopeful that it's going to have a great future in the town centre."
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