Stagecoach teams up with village pub to support hospitality and entertainment industries

Bus passengers travelling to a live music event at a traditional village pub will receive their first drink on the house.   

Stagecoach South East has teamed up with The Anchor Inn in Wingham to help drive support to struggling artists and local pubs as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.   

It comes after the latest data shows that small businesses suffered a £126.6 billion loss since the pandemic first struck. 

The hospitality industry has been particularly hard-hit, with pub and restaurant owners being left short of £40,313 – more than double the money of the average small businesses. 

Customers who travel on Stagecoach services to the award-winning establishment for a live music event will receive a complimentary drink.   

Michelle Abbott, landlady at The Anchor Inn, said: “It’s been a difficult time for the hospitality, music and public transport sector.”  

“With these three sectors probably being the worst affected by the pandemic, we wanted to put something together that helped and bring some normality and fun back into people’s lives.”  

”We’re blessed to have such great outdoor space and have been able to continue with music events all the time we have been allowed to open. People really appreciate a bit of normality again and the events have been really popular.”  

Events are held in the pub garden on weekends from 4pm to 6pm. 

Music lovers can travel on route 43 to the high street pub, which regularly operates between Canterbury and Sandwich.

The pub’s entertainment schedule has been created around the bus timetable to allow people to travel to and from the venue with ease.   

To redeem the offer, customers will need to provide a valid bus ticket to bar staff and sign up to Stagecoach Rewards.   

For further information, visit: rewards.stagecoachbus.com
   
This is not the first time that Stagecoach has pledged to support local businesses, as the transport operator recently launched its #ExploreLocal campaign to encourage people to invest in their local communities. 

The bus company prepared a useful guide to help visitors plan ahead for the summer season - highlighting some of the best food and drinks destinations, and top attractions to visit.