29/08/2026
And just like that the final weekend of August is well underway, bringing with it the hustle and bustle of English bank holiday tourists descending for a couple of days Moffat magic.
For us it’s not just a busy weekend - but the last big push of summer..
And of 2026.
We’ve been riding the BB merry go round for six months which have wizzed by in a whirl - as one would expect on a carousel like ours.
This business is seasonal, we are a tourist led destination for food and rooms and we must earn 12 months income in nine to secure the winter.
Yes - we close in winter, because contrary to popular belief, opening your doors can often be the quickest route to closing them.
For good!
It wasn’t always the way.
Once upon a time we were a seven day breakfast to dinner destination.
A pub with rooms and late night revelling. But that was never my model. I realised very quickly that late nights, live music and an all day food service was not the way to win through or stay open, which is why these days we operate shorter shifts and a five day week.
This was not popular with customers at first. Many folks don’t like to leave an establishment before 10pm. People want to sit with a pint and chill..
But as silly as it sounds, that doesn’t pay our bills so we had to introduce tough measures and strict open/closing times to protect our bottom line..
And our approach has been exonerated. Shortening our trading hours to cut costs has reflected positively.
We waited nervously, with bated breath for our quarterly figures…
and got a slap on the back from the bean counters, who’ve seen many of their hospitality clients go bust under the increasing pressure of rising costs and lower footfall.
So knowing we’ve bucked the trend - a trend which includes many big names like JD Wetherspoon and Beefeater - has spurred us on.
So as we get at the big finale of summer abc prepare for a calmer Autumn it’s our last BIG chance to reap the rewards of bank holiday bedlam.
After which we’ll lock up on Sunday, a bit bruised and battered,and raise a glass to yet another successful summer.. .
And then we’ll get ready for what September has in store 🙏🏻
Live music today 3-5pm
Food served 12-3pm/5-8pm
Doors close 9.30-10pm*
Sunday Carvery 12-6pm
*please note management reserve the right to close in line with the needs of the business.
To book call 01683 221150 or visit www.theblackbullmoffat.co.uk
