Popular Jobstown House delivering fresh pints to its customers

Popular Jobstown House delivering fresh pints to its customers

By Mary Dennehy

THE Jobstown House is slowly getting back to doing what it does best, and is delivering fresh pints to customers on a temporary basis until the pub can re-open.

Speaking with The Echo this week, owner John Kilbride said that he hopes to open the third generation family pub on June 29, pending Government advice and guidelines.

Jobstown House pints Echos Gar and John Kilbride2 compressor

The Echo's Gar Mockler getting pints delivered from John Kilbride of the Jobstown House

Closed since March 14, Jobstown House, which has been in the Kilbride family since 1964, is currently looking at ways it can re-open safely next month.

John told The Echo that he is looking into a number of measures that would ensure both staff and customers are looked after.

Some of the measures include hand sanitisers at all entrances and bathrooms, and the possible introduction of screens.

“We are looking into screens, I’m hopeful that screens will be allowed”, John said.

“Screens will help bring capacity up a little, make the business more viable.”

The pub has now been closed near-on three months, the longest time the doors of Jobstown House have been closed in its 56 year history.

“My grandfather and father never experienced anything like this. It’s completely unique. It’s difficult to get your head around going from running a business to zero. We employ 26 people and had to let 20 go.

“Every single staff member lives within a mile of the pub, it’s all local people affected.

“As much as I want to get the business up and running, it’s as much about getting these guys back in work.”

He added: “We’re going to be positive, adapt and give it a good shot… try to make it as workable as we can.

“Most importantly, ensure that staff and customers are looked after.”

Jobstown House has been providing a pop-up Sunday lunch for the past three weeks, which is available for collection or delivery.

They have also started delivering pints to homes within a 1.5 mile radius of the pub.

“We needed to adapt and the pint delivery service is a temporary measure”, John said.

“We’re using it as a temporary measure to generate some income and out of goodwill for customers.

“Many of our older regulars are enjoying their pint at home.”

The pints are poured fresh in the pub, a lid is popped on the pint glass and it’s delivered straight to the customer’s door.

When asked if he had a message for customers, John said: “My message to customers would be to stay safe and we’ll be back. We will adapt, we’re good at that and all the staff are on board.

We’ll be back as strong as ever, and look forward to it.”

Full details on the Sunday lunch and pint delivery service are available on the Jobstown House Facebook page or call 4514140.

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