PUBLICANS in Wales have bemoaned the fact that pubs in England have been able to open two weeks ahead of them - but spare a thought for one whose premises are in both England and Wales.

That is the situation for Paul Slater, host at the Trotting Mare in Overton on Dee.

The building is in Wales - but tantalisingly the car park is over the border in England where pubs have been serving food and drink in outside areas for a week while those in Wales remain closed.

Paul says he has lots of enquiries from former and potential customers across the border who want to enjoy a pint and a bite to eat in (for now at least) sunshine.

But, although Paul has seen that revenue slip through his fingers, he says he will "take it on the chin" in the interest of the safety of his staff and customers.

Chef Paul Slater runs the Trotting Mare in Overton on Dee

Chef Paul Slater runs the Trotting Mare in Overton on Dee

Paul said: "That's right, the car park's in England and the pub is in Wales. Being right on the border, I've been inundated with calls today from people asking if they can come in for a meal this week. They're confused and I have to tell them I can't open until next week. So being on the border there is all this business going through my fingers, but there has to be a cut off point. I pay my rates to Wrexham Council so I have to abide by their rules, which is fair enough."

Paul added: "But I have missed out massively, especially over Easter weekend. But you just have to take it on the chin I'm afraid and move on.

"We are following the rules for Wales and will be open on Monday, April 26."

The issue of different rules in England became particularly apparent to Paul as self-contained accommodation and cross border travel were permitted ahead of hospitality opening in Wales.

Chef Paul Slater runs the Trotting Mare in Overton on Dee

Chef Paul Slater runs the Trotting Mare in Overton on Dee

Paul added: "Another problem I've got is there is a caravan park on he site with 52 caravans. So they're allowed to cross the border to stay in the caravans. The park is full but they haven't got a pub to drink in. So that's a bit of a tough one.

"These last two weeks would have been a goldmine for me.

"But I am a positive person, the rules are there and you've got to accept it."

And setting up an outside eating area in the car park was never really an option.

Paul added: "Then it becomes a bit of a health and safety issue, with people turning in on the car park. The licence is in Wales so I don't know how that would work.

"It sounds easy, but moving the bar outside and serving people food by crossing the entrance to the car park isn't the best.

Paul is planning to open, along with other pubs in Wales, from April 26.

He has not been able to invest in marquees or socially distanced dining pods as he took on the business just six weeks before the first lockdown last year.

But he has made one investment that he hopes will pay off when people come to the pub's garden - he's bought hot water bottles to keep his customers cosy.

He added: "Don't laugh at this but I've bought a load of hot water bottles and rugs, I thought it would be quite quirky.

"It saves me quite a lot of money and I think it will be a fun thing to do.

Like many pubs and restaurants in Wrexham and Flintshire, Paul is recruiting staff to replace those who found other jobs during lockdown.

What you need to know:

  • The Trotting Mare Inn will be opening outside only from Monday, April 26, at 4pm.
  • There will a limited food menu available, including pizzas, until pubs can can reopen inside.
  • On Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, the pub will host a barbecue weather permitting.
  • Opening times: Monday to Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday 12 til 9pm, Sunday 12 til 6pm.
  • There is no need to book - seating is on a first come first served basis.
  • Find out more about the Trotting Mare's opening plans and job opportunities at https://trottingmareinn.co.uk/ or on the pub's Facebook page.