Christmas Day can be a lonely time and pubs opening for just a few hours on the big day can help bring people together
Louis Corbett Trainee Reporter
15:49, 25 Dec 2025Updated 15:50, 25 Dec 2025
A view of The Samuel Hall pub in Mansfield Road, Sherwood, Nottingham.(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)
Christmas can be a lonely time for people across the country, and while most businesses are shut, there are a few that open their doors to help bring people together.
Nottinghamshire Live visited two Wetherspoons pubs in Nottingham to talk with customers about why they’ve ventured out to their local boozer to celebrate the big day.
At least eight Nottinghamshire Wetherspoons were open throughout the county including: The Joseph Else, The Woodthorpe Top, The Free Man, The Samuel Hall, The Ernedale, Trent Bridge Inn and The Butter Cross, The Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, The William Peverel and The Lady Chatterley, all of which were open from 11am to 3pm.
Malcolm Knight, 66, said: “I do think it helps people who want to get out of the house.
“It can be hard for people when you don’t have anyone at home.
“I just wanted to come along to talk to a few heads, it gets me in the Christmas spirit.”
Samuel Griffins, 70, said: “I like coming down to have a few, it’s nice to see people out and about.
“The pub is always a place for people to get together, especially people my age.
“I also love Spoons for the prices, it’s great for prices, especially when it’s been an expensive year.”
Chris Webster, manager at The Samuel Hall, Sherwood, said: “It’s pretty chill to be honest, we just have a nice, relaxed day.
“We get the regulars come in, we get the families, it’s a pretty nice shift.
“I think it definitely helps the community; it’s reduced hours, but it’s not ineffective at helping.”
Nigel Wentworth, 79, said: “You never know who you might run into, it’s hard when you get to my age, sometimes you can feel abit left out, but a conversation could make my day.
“I’m just here for a few drinks, then I’m off home to cook a nice little Christmas dinner.”
According to the Salvation Army more than 1.8 million UK adults are expected to be forced to spend Christmas alone,
The Salvation Army’s social isolation lead, Andrew Wileman, said: “These findings are much more serious than just missing out on festive fun. Connection is a basic human need. Isolation is the main reason people give for turning to The Salvation Army for help and the need for belonging is especially strong at Christmas.
“We often find that a cup of tea and a chat with someone at The Salvation Army is the only meaningful conversation some people have all week.”