Pub ‘becomes first in Britain’ to put up Christmas tree in heat of summer
'We've already had a few bookings for Christmas parties and Christmas lunch as a result'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A pub in Bristol claims to have become the first in Britain to put up its Christmas tree, five months in advance of the festive occasion.
For the third year in a row, the Air Balloon pub in Bristol has erected its Christmas tree far earlier than most would deem necessary.
The artificial tree measures five foot in height and has been adorned with gold, blue and silver baubles, complemented by additional decorations which have been hung from the ceiling.
It seems particularly paradoxical that the tree has been put up this week considering the UK is currently experiencing a sweltering heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 37C on Thursday.
"It's a talking point," said Joanna Johnson, manager of the pub. "This is the third year in a row we've had the tree up and we never get any negative comments about it."
Johnson added that pub regulars excitedly asked staff when the tree was going to go up this year.
"We've already had a few bookings for Christmas parties and Christmas lunch as a result – it's where the idea comes from," the pub manager wrote.
"We like people to know we take bookings for Christmas as we do fill up really quick."
According to a recent survey, going to the pub is considered one of the top 10 signs of being quintessentially British.
Other signs in the top 10 include having a proclivity for fish and chips, saying sorry too frequently and – in the number one spot – talking about the weather.
In September 2018, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) announced its list of top 16 pubs in the country for 2019.
In Greater London, the Little Green Dragon pub in Enfield was named the best pub in the region.
Meanwhile, the White Hart pub in Bargate was named the winner in the East Midlands for the third consecutive year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments