Christmas is still 131 days away – but that has not stopped one Inverness pub getting into the festive spirit early.
Drinkers at The Fluke on Culcabock Road have been left puzzled by the arrival of a fully decorated Christmas tree in the middle of summer, complete with lights, stockings and presents.
Jean Lawson, the bar’s assistant manager, said the tree had prompted a number of questions from patrons at the bar, which is popular with workers from the nearby Raigmore Hospital and the police headquarters.
“We’ve had quite a few comments, including from staff. When it was put up one of the girls was singing Christmas songs,” she said.
“It actually leads people to ask what the reason is for it, which is part of the aim. A few people have asked.
“Some have said ‘it’s only summer’, but it’s all been done in gone humour.”
Ms Lawson revealed that the tree was part of an initiative by a pub chain to drive early bookings for the festive period.
“It’s actually up so early because it’s part of Mitchells and Butlers brand, it’s to promote Christmas bookings,” she said.
“It’s working fine for us. We’ve got some bookings for Christmas Day already and we’ve given information about Christmas parties.
“It’s earlier and earlier each year, but that’s the case everywhere.”
Whisper it, but the Fluke isn’t even the first to mention Christmas this year – Selfridges opened its Christmas shop more than a fortnight ago, some 147 days before Christmas.
