A Darlington pub has described the “sombre” mood as patrons today gathered inside to pay their respects to the Queen.
The Red Lion, just off the High Street on Priestgate, remained open on the day of the Queen’s funeral today as many across the UK shut down.
The pub, which opened at 11am on Monday, said it was opening to offer people a place to watch the Queen’s funeral and would only be serving non-alcoholic drinks.
Pub-goers said they had come to the pub to be with people, pay their respects to the Queen and there was an air of sadness as those sat to watch the ceremony.
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Matthew Dunnett, 34, Landlord of The Red Lion, from Darlington said: “I’m a massive royalist, she’s been a part of my life since I was born. It’s been quite sombre.
“A pub is the hub of a community. A lot of our regulars are older and live alone, and for them sitting at home, it’s a bit daunting.
“We’re open and showing the funeral so that anybody who was alone and wanted to come and spend time with other people, we will be there for those people.
“There are so many people out there that are alone and a lot of our customers did ask us beforehand whether we would be open and we made the decision that, yes, we would be open.
“We’re not open to be disrespectful, we haven’t done this to make lots of money, we’ve not advertised that we’re open, we’re open for the people in our community who need us the most.”
“People need to be with other people at times like this.”
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The pub was offering non-alcoholic beverages and treats such as tea, coffee, soft drinks and scones instead of alcoholic drinks during the Royal Funeral.
Vanessa Warford, 30, Bartender at The Red Lion, from Darlington said: “It feels eerie, it feels strange, it feels different.
“It’s quiet, it’s busier than we normally are on a Monday morning.
“We opened for the people who don’t have anyone at home and don’t want to watch it alone.
“I think it’s lovely. You can come down and watch it and not feel alone.”
This comes as many pubs in Darlington have closed their doors for the Queen’s funeral such as The Bridge Inn, Hole in the Wall, The Pennyweight and NumberTwenty2.
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