A popular pub managed to see the humorous side of a very bleak bar outlook in the capital as confusion hung over Dublin about the possibility of a Level 5 Lockdown yesterday.
The River Bar on Burgh Quay said on their Facebook page that Manchester United Chief Executive Ed Woodward was barred from the pub until he resigns after United were hit for six against Spurs on Sunday.
The funny post was put up by staff to take their mind off the worrying Covid-19 rumours which dominated the country on Sunday night and into Monday after NPHET recommended a Level 5 jump.
And while Ed and Ole were panic buying for The Red Devils yesterday at the close of the transfer window, The River Bar - who have been serving delicious food with their drinks since June - panicked as they waited with bated breath to hear the latest on the Government's decision.
Speaking to Dublin Live, Reservations Manager Emma Meagher was relieved to stay at Level 3 saying the current restrictions are difficult enough on the pub who have had to adapt on several occasions in a bid to continue to stay open and abide by the ever-changing rules.
She said: "A couple of the staff support Man United and thought the post would be something funny to put up.
"With everything that is going on at the moment, having a bit of craic is important now."
"Level 3 restrictions are difficult but we are open and adapting the business every day."
She added: "We have invested in our outdoor areas, putting in heaters and canopies and trying to make the outdoor environment as comfortable for the customer as possible.
"Also trying to keep staff in work and not making them unemployed is our main priority because we have a top team.
"Any support we receive is greatly appreciated during these difficult times."
And Emma believes that a move to Level 5 wouldn't have been the final nail in the coffin for The River Bar either who are stubbornly refusing to bow down to the ongoing pandemic.
She added: "We were hopeful that we wouldn’t go to Level 5 straight away.
"There was more worry that if it did go to Level 5 that there would be lots of food wasted and having to put everyone back on PUP.
"It wouldn’t be the final nail in the coffin though. We adapted when we reopened on June 29th and we are adapting again.
"Hopefully the hospitality industry will come through this without too many casualties."
And speaking about the possibility of Ed Woodward turning up at their doors any time soon, Emma joked that they wouldn't turn him away but that he might have to wait for a table.
She said: "He would be served as long as he spent €9 on food but knowing what he is like, he would offer us €2 upfront and €1 every January for the next seven years."
