The pub removed its bar stools, so the regulars brought folding chairs and sat outside.
Soon they had a table, snacks and a little radio. Other customers joined them.
The landlord offered to put the stools back if they came indoors.
The regulars said they would discuss his offer at their next meeting….
The new landlord wanted a fresh look for the pub.
He painted the walls, changed the lights and removed the old bar stools.
Three regulars stared at the empty space.
Where do we sit? asked Ron.
At a table, said the landlord.
Bill looked at the tables. People sat at them in groups and ate lunch.
They don’t look as though they want our opinion on the racing.
The landlord said change could be good.
The next afternoon, Ron arrived with a folding chair. Bill brought one too. Their friend, Pat, brought a small camping table.
They sat outside the front window.
The landlord came out.
You can sit inside.
We know, said Pat. That’s where our chairs used to be.
They bought their usual drinks and carried them out.
On Thursday, Ron brought a radio. Bill brought crisps. Pat brought a cloth because the table had a mark that annoyed her.
A passing couple asked whether the chairs belonged to the pub.
Not yet, said Bill.
The couple brought their drinks outside.
On Friday, there were nine chairs.
Somebody had made sandwiches. Someone else had put flowers in a jar.
The landlord looked at the empty tables indoors.
I think you may have made your point.
Ron said they had made very good use of the afternoon.
The landlord offered to return the stools.
Pat took out a notebook.
We’d need to discuss that.
What’s to discuss?
The other members have brought chairs now.
Members?
Bill pointed to the cloth. Pat had stitched their names along one edge.
The landlord said he had only wanted the pub to feel more welcoming.
It’s working, said Ron. We met four new people yesterday.
They did agree to look at his offer. Pat wrote it down.
Would you like to join us for the meeting? she asked.
The landlord said he would rather they came back inside.
Bill looked at Ron. Ron looked at the new arrivals. Pat made another note.
The landlord asked whether the stools would settle the matter.
Pat closed her book.
We’ll let you know. We’re still interviewing for a barman.
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