Chichester pub landlord's plea: 'we need support from the community'

Marshall Mahendran, 61, runs the Wickham Arms in Bognor Road, Chichester with his partner Ian.

The pair took over the 200-year-old watering hole in March 2019 and Marshall has been working as an accountant on the side. Covid-19 restrictions and a strain on the pub trade has meant the Wickam running at a loss.

He is now pleading with the Chichester community to help the pub by stopping by and stated the importance of abiding by social distancing rules when using the city's venues.

In a series of Facebook posts Marshall told followers the pub was in an 'extremely difficult financial situation' and said 'fed up' with customers flouting new Covid-19 safety measures.

Marshall said: "Our problem is is that were are really just outside of town and nobody really knows about us. When I put that message on Facebook, my partner had a go at me and said 'that was very negative' and I said 'look, I've got to let the people know: we can't keep working our guts out, and all the money I earn from my accountancy business going into. What is the point?

"Come to our wonderful community pub and see what an amazing traditional pub it is and how friendly it is and now with the beautiful decor.

"I'm never able to relax until the pub's closed and as the licensee it's my responsibility to make sure everything is okay and it really is a responsibility when I've been working so hard.

"We are tied to the brewery so it's very expensive and the margins are extremely low but I thought 'I can see the potential. I could see behind the grime and dirt."

Since it was taken over, Marshall and the team have made a number of changes to the venue with a new menu and decor.

Marshall said he has had to 'sound off' to some customers have flouted social distancing rules in the pub and took to Facebook to warn others not to.

"It's just trying to get people to understand the dangers," he said.

"We have a lady that comes in regular who is 88-years-old and still works. So what has happened is everyone comes together and they were kissing and cuddling her - I went mad on the first Sunday because they all just got out of control.

"I've heard, some of these pubs, are not taking anyone's names or anything. It's not law but the moral thing should be that you try and protect everyone. We have had almost 50,000 deaths in this country and 300,000 cases and I don't want anyone to die.

"However, moving forward, this is the new beautiful place now. It's amazing in there now and we are getting new customers. I've started doing cocktails now. I did start doing roast dinners and I got amazing reviews.

"It has got better because I sounded off about it at people but you cannot expected somebody, they've been used to dancing and singing and karaoke and partying and they all love it that's why they come here. They come here to have fun."

Sunday's became a success for the pub with a raffle helping to bring in custom.

"Sunday's really developed well. It's a real mix of clients. We can't do the disco anymore though but we have been told we can do a live performance in the garden. I'm hoping that will help to sort things out for that."

While discos are off the table, an outdoor drag and DJ performance will be going ahead on Sunday (July 26).

For more information on the pub find the Facebook page here: The Wickham Arms, Chichester