I set up an inflatable pub in my garden during Covid — now it’s a business

THIS blow-up boozer has raised the bar at a village after its only pub called last orders.

Rich Martin, 36, set up the first Air of the Dog in his garden during Covid for his dad who missed a pint.

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Rich explained “All the pubs were shut and my dad likes a beer.

“So I bought him an inflatable pub for the garden.

“When the restrictions began to be lifted, we got a few people over, and it just spiralled from there.”

It led to an inflatable pub business — which brings the joy of pumps back to Allhallows’ park, Kent, on Friday nights.

Rich now has three inflatable pubs, one inflatable nightclub, two horsebox bars, a converted London black cab bar, three marquees of varying sizes and indoor bars that can be erected in village halls or people’s homes.

While the current cost of living crisis has seen pub prices rise, Rich says they’re important for the community.

He said: “The pandemic has been a really difficult time for pubs, and the cost of living crisis.

“We’re just taking the hit at the moment, keeping the prices the same – but it will get to the point where we can’t do that anymore.

“Pubs bring communities together.

“The comments we get are all positive: everyone reminiscing and telling stories about the town.

“It just brings everyone together.

“Pubs are so important for communities and people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Everyone just gets stuck indoors, otherwise.”