As we move into May and feel the first proper hints of summer, there’s always a sense of fresh energy in the air here in Christleton. Gardens start to bloom, evenings stretch that little bit longer, and at the pub, the outdoor tables become the place to be. Summer’s a brilliant time for hospitality, and this year we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring you something special.
A New Season, A New Menu
At the Ring O’ Bells, we’ve just launched our new summer menu—built around seasonal British produce, fresh flavours, and the kind of dishes that pair perfectly with a pint in the garden. Whether it’s a refreshing salad with vibrant herbs from local growers, a chargrilled flatbread topped with our own twist of summery toppings, or a proper pub classic elevated just enough to make you stop and savour—it’s all about giving our guests a taste of sunshine on a plate.
And for our pizza fans at Urbano32, we’ve been fine-tuning some brilliant new specials. Expect bold combinations, fresher toppings, and plenty of wood-fired goodness, all designed to keep things interesting as the weather warms up.
Facing the Realities Behind the Bar
But while the sunshine brings optimism, it’s impossible to ignore the headwinds the hospitality industry continues to face. In recent months, we’ve seen:
- A substantial increase in the National Minimum Wage
- Higher employer National Insurance contributions
- Food and drink costs that just won’t stop rising
- And on top of it all, business rates climbing once again
These changes put huge pressure on independent operators like us. We’re proud to pay our team properly and support them with fair wages and conditions—it’s the right thing to do. But the reality is, these mounting costs make it harder and harder to balance the books, particularly without passing them straight on to the customer (which we always try to avoid).
We’ve had to make some tough decisions behind the scenes—streamlining menus, renegotiating supplier contracts, even rethinking opening hours during quieter periods. It’s a constant juggle, but we’re committed to keeping our standards high and our doors open, and we appreciate every single person who supports local hospitality. Honestly, you keep us going.
So thank you all very much & catch up soon.
Cheers, Ian