LANDLORDS of a Worcester pub will be hosting a Christmas event in August as they ‘don’t have the staff’ over the holidays.

Dave Davies, from The Maple Leaf in Canada Way, says the event was originally brought up as a joke. However, after mentioning the idea to customers, locals vastly shown an interest in the event.

Mr Davies, aged 52 said: “This all started off as a joke to be honest.

“We don’t usually do Christmas at the pub because we can’t get the staff. I don’t expect them to work on Christmas day though, they should be with their families.”

Mr Davies claimed he created the event ‘Christmas lunch in August’ and posted it onto Facebook, where within two days the pub was full booked.

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Mr Davies and his partner Heidi Kirkham, aged 47, have been landlords at the Worcester pub for almost 15 years.

Mr Davies added: “It’ll be the first time we have done Christmas in August. It’s going to be so special.

“We have already bought the customers their presents. We have just got to wrap them up now.

“We are excited. It’ll be very different.

“Our customers get on well together. They come in for a bit of banter, a chin wag and catch up. It’s kind of like an over sixties club.

“Every single person who will attend are regulars and come see us every Sunday for lunch. It’ll be a laugh.”

Father Christmas and Mrs Clause will be gracing the pub with their presence.

There will also be a three-course meal and gift giving throughout the day.

Mr Davies added: “There will be festive decorations, a Christmas tree and lots of cheesy things going on. It will be great.”

One regular customer, Rita Nugent, has been visiting the pub for five years.

Ms Nugent said: “They’re a lovely and friendly couple.

"I go there every Sunday. They do the most amazing carvery that you could wish to have.

“Everybody wanted them to do a Christmas lunch, but they said they don’t have the staff. So, this is why the event has come about.

“I think it’s a bit different. It is really for the locals who would love a Christmas with everyone.”

Forty-two people are set to attend the early Christmas gathering on Sunday, August 11.