Through the Crafty Squad Facebook closed group, operators at the company can keep engaged with the company during the shutdown period.
Activities on the group page include virtual quizzes, photo competitions, live music performances and brainstorming fundraising ideas.
Operators have also shared their advice on issues such as cleaning their pubs and ensuring hygiene procedures are followed correctly.
The pub company has also been using its main Facebook page to engage its customers at home, with a daily prize giveaway called CraftyCountdown and a live streamed DJ set each weekend. Prizes in the giveaway, so far, have included a bottle of gin, a personalised selfie frame and a chocolate Easter egg hamper.
Craft Union Pub Company operations director Frazer Grimbleby said: “The true grit, determination and passion of your business really shines through when times are tough, and I couldn’t be more proud of the actions of our operators over the past few weeks.”
Community value
He continued: “The Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally impacted the lives of everyone but in the face of this, the value of communities has never been more important.
“It’s fantastic to see the support network our pubs provide, not just in the heart of the communities they serve, but also for one another.”
Martyn Dunn, operator at the Ye Olde Vaults, in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, said the customer response to his pub’s community outreach activities online has been incredible so far.
He said: “We are in the most testing of times, but are determined to stay in touch with our customers, support those most in need and keep our community together.”
