Notes From The Case: January 2021

This is a copy of an article published in the Bentley Bugle, Issue 79, February 2021 – March 2021, and gives an overview of developments at the Case in recent months. A full copy of the Bugle may be viewed here.

Despite our best hopes for Christmas and the New Year sadly due to the ever changing Covid restrictions and Tiers, and as we’re sure you are aware, the Case has not been able to open its doors since early November and the beginning of Lockdown Number 2. My, that does seem like a very long time ago! Now in the midst of Lockdown Number 3 with off-sales only permissible through home deliveries, we have had to continue to remain closed and, like most other pubs, will be for the foreseeable future, and probably for the rest of dark winter months ahead.

Of course with the new vaccine being introduced fairly quickly, hopefully there is a glimmer of light ahead. Optimistically there is already some talk within the hospitality industry that hope for a new kind of normality may return by late spring / early summer. Perhaps we can look forward to opening our doors (or at least garden) to our loyal customers in early May? Who knows? We shall just have to wait and see.

The Larger Marquee At The Front Of The Case

Of course during this time the pub has not been completely locked up and forgotten altogether. Maintenance work has continued, especially regular checking of the beer lines and cellar equipment, so when we are able to reopen we can offer our beer in it’s usual excellent condition. The electrics within the pub are still being upgraded and discussions have already started on new windows for the garden room and replacement guttering for the main building. The garden continues to be tended by our stalwart volunteers and the gutters are almost empty of leaves and mega acorns. For those of you on Facebook, ‘Lockdown Open Mic at The Case is Altered’ has continued every month and is well worth searching for. Recent bad weather has meant we had to remove our smaller marquees but the larger one has, so far, been able to withstand all that the weather has thrown at it!

The Case’s Advent Window
#23 on the Bentley Advent Window Trail

We didn’t let the festive season go by without some recognition and you may have noticed that the Case took part in the village ‘Advent Window Trail’. This was great fun to do and helped to increase the already strong community feeling within the village. We were so pleased to be invited to join in. As normal we erected and decorated a large Christmas tree at the front of the pub and although we might be biased it did seem to brighten even the coldest of nights as you entered the village.

Finally we’d like to say again a special thank you to all those who have kept The Case going during the last 11 months of change, challenge and uncertainty. We know that when the time and situation is right, we will eventually open our doors and will welcome back all our wonderful volunteers, customers, shareholders and all those who have continued to support us during these disturbing times.

Stay safe and healthy.