A pub owner shut down online trolls with a brilliant response after they criticised him for opening the venue on Christmas Day.
The bar opened for a few hours on Christmas Day offering festive drinks for punters.
However, after announcing the Christmas opening, the pub was met with disparaging comments from some people online.
The Trent Navigation in Nottingham, England, said while they respect everyone's right to their opinion, they felt one negative remark was "short sighted".
The person said: "Why encourage this on Christmas Day? Let people encourage the family get-together instead of encouraging alcohol. Have to be bored and sad to open Xmas Day."
The pub's owner then explained the reasoning behind opening from 12pm until 3pm on December 25, as Nottinghamshire Live reports.
"Christmas, for most, is a joyous time of year - full of love, laughter and quality time spent with family and friends. But this is simply not the case for all, Christmas can also be a very lonely time for some," they said on Facebook.
"Given the difficulty we're all facing during this pandemic, there is a mental health crisis bubbling away under the surface and throw this in with loneliness at this time of year and it can be incredibly difficult for some, especially those without close family and friends to share the big day with.
"Pubs play an important role in the community and are a safe haven for many, a place where all walks of life can meet safely, socialise and let off steam and look out for one another - to be thought of simply as a place to 'encourage alcohol' is, quite frankly, a sad commentary.
"Our doors will always be open for friends old and new - and you if you are bored, then please do toddle on down! It's not 'sad' to do so, but if you are sad - it's always good to talk."
The publican added that a variety of non-alcoholic options would also be available to customers.
Locals hailed the pub for the "lovely gesture" after opening for people on Christmas Day.
One person said: "What an absolutely amazing response, well said. Merry Christmas Trent Navigation, what a lovely community you have built."
While another added: "Haven’t been to a pub on Christmas Day for years so we will be coming down and have a drink with friends and the staff who have been excellent throughout all the Covid restrictions."
