A FARMER who took over a Hereford pub last year and vowed to restore it to its heyday has given an update on how 2023 has gone for him and the business.

Hogarths, in Commercial Road, has had several managers over the years, but was taken on last year by Tom Williams.

Last year, he told the Hereford Times that he wanted to bring back the old Hogarths people know and love.

Since then, he has made progress to restore the pub to how it used to be, and has updated us on how his year has gone.

Mr Williams said: "Last November we vowed to return the pub to its former heyday. That for me was always 2017. Back then, and of course, this was pre-Covid, things were different from what they are today. For example, a Thursday night in Hereford was a really good night. Now, it's not so great and footfall has been significantly impacted.

"We do still sell the gin trees as this is what made us famous in the first place! There will always be a place on my bar for them. Many people do still come in and ask for them.

"2023 has seen some achievements for Hogarths in Hereford. We have become an accredited Best Bar None venue, been awarded the Cask Marque accreditation for serving the perfect mask of cask-conditioned ale, and in May I was personally awarded operator of the month by Amber Taverns.

"There's just too many of my team to name, but it would be a shame not to mention Josh Price, my assistant manager, who sometimes does up to 100 hours a week especially during the peak farming months to keep the show on the road at Hogarths."

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Hogarths will also be open all day on Christmas Day to welcome those who are lonely or vulnerable. Mr Williams said: "We are opening on Christmas Day because when I was younger Christmas was filled with family, hugs and love, but being at Hogarths has made me realise that not everyone has been that fortunate, especially when families ultimately start to lose loved ones.

"One of life's cruel twists of fate this year for me was that we as a family had to prepare to lose my grandmother. But that's life I suppose. Grief is the price we pay for love.

"I know my grandmother and grandpa are looking down on us now, and what we have achieved and would be very proud.

"A truly merry Christmas to all of you. For those who have family, enjoy your day. Tell them you love them. It really costs nothing!"