News Beat
Pubs report on Christmas and what they plan for 2026
Jimmy Hebbron, manager of the Crooked Tap in Acomb, says Christmas overall has been “fantastic” and the “busiest ever” in its 8-year-history.
The bar, which Press readers voted its Pub of the Year 2025, says it opened for two hours on Christmas Day, giving people a free drink, and all the tables were taken within five minutes of opening.
Jimmy credits the growth on extending the pub so it can accommodate more and giving more advance notice of events to help people plan.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Lyndsay and Stuart Weston to take on The Golden Slipper
He told the Press: “Whilst we have lots of regulars, we notice more people coming here for those special occasions.”
Looking ahead, Jimmy says 2026 is shaping up nicely with new music acts, adding to favourites, new pop-up food options, the launch of running clubs, plus events including Cinco De Mayo, Oktoberfest and its Christmas lights in June.
Jimmy added: “This to us is more than a pub its s community, friends have been made here for life and whilst we would love you to visit us, our message is visit the pub!
“It’s ace, it’s the best of what we are as people and you don’t need to drink or go every week but pop into a pub if you’re feeling happy or sad, commiserating or celebrating because they are the heartbeat of everywhere and without you, too many are dying.”
In the city centre, Paul Kemp of the Last Drop Inn in Colliergate says during the Christmas Market period, turnover was 7 per cent up on last year, but higher staffing and other costs made for flat profits.
He credited the pub now offering hot drinks as well as real ale to appeal to a broader range of customers. Introducing food at lunch-time also built trade.
Paul told the Press: “December has been really strong. The, this has been an accumulation of hard work throughout the year getting the business trading consistently and attracting new customers along with returning guests.”
Looking ahead, 2026 will see table service at weekends, traditional pubs games evenings and Cask Ale Club Mondays and Tuesdays with discounted ales from feature breweries. The food menu will be offered later along with a lunch deal.
However, should business rates rise as planned, Paul warns it will be “difficult” for the high street and for its long-term health and viability the government “needs a re-think.”
Paul Marshall of the Rook and Gaskell in Lawrence Street says business over Christmas has been “very good” and “well-up” on last year, helped by the pub being better known.
The launch of the pub’s own brewery, Lazy Goat, has also given trade a boost, with its ales soon selling out.
Paul told the Press: “We are getting a lot more local trade. Our cask ales are going better than before.”
Looking to 2026, he added he would “keep going, keep striving and giving good beers.”
Lyndsay Weston said her first Christmas at the Golden Slipper on Goodramgate has been “extremely busy thanks to the Christmas Market bringing loads of tourists in.”
Looking ahead, Lyndsey said 2026 would see more focus on the ‘wine library’, food and the introduction of events.
In Boroughbridge, Simon Wade reports his four pubs, employing 100 staff, have done “really well” over Christmas, with the pubs “well frequented.”
The Blue Bell at Arkendale was noticeably busier, helped by some nearby venues being closed over Christmas itself.
Streamlining the menu at the Grantham Arms meant it could accommodate more diners.
A New Years Eve Disco should boost trade at the Fox and Hounds, offering locals an alternative to travelling to Harrogate and York, he says.
Simon warns of a “long hard slog” for pubs from Mid-January to Mother’s Day, so his pubs will have events and menus to mark the Chinese New Year, Burns Night and Valentine’s Day, Pancake Day, Mother’s Day and Easter.
The Blue Bell would also stage a wine evening with a French producer and the Tapp would stage craft markets, Simon added.
