A newly opened Falmouth pub was only able to serve for less than a month before it closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Moth and The Moon was taken over by new management and opened for the first time at the end of February.

Managers Matt and Jess Reay saw a brilliant launch and first opening week with good initial reviews from residents.

The Falmouth pub was previously run under different ownership with the same name but focused mostly on premium cocktails.

Matt Reay spoke to Nub News about the unexpected closure and how it's been during lockdown:

The pub decided to close its doors on Tuesday 17th March, earlier than some of the other pubs in town.

Matt Reay spoke to Nub News about the closure and how it's been during lockdown:

"As we closed before the government instructed everyone to do so it was a little bit of a leap of faith and fingers crossed that we'd accrued enough money in the bank during the short time that we'd been open, to see us through however long our closure could possibly last.

"So it was a massive relief when the government announced the furlough scheme to help retain and look after our team, and the grants for SME's.

"Cornwall Council were one of the quickest in the country to distribute these thankfully, which meant that we could make sure our suppliers and services, mostly local businesses, were all paid.

"Our landlord has been very supportive and understanding by deferring our rent payments whilst we are closed.

"Clear Brew, the local line cleaning specialists have also been incredibly helpful in advising and assisting on how best to keep our beer dispense equipment in tip-top condition during this prolonged closure."

Matt believes that there is going to be a real hardship to re-open pubs while following strict social distancing measures.

"The problem with opening pubs before social distancing can be relaxed is that it goes against the whole point of pubs, which is generally to be warm, welcoming places to meet friends, family, work colleagues, with lots of face to face interactions, handshaking, hugs, and general social norms," Matt said.

"Personally I don't think pubs are going to be able to open in any kind of recognisable format until late October at the earliest.

"I hope I'm wrong, but with the latest confusing government announcements I hope we don't see a second wave in a couple of week's time and then have to stay locked down even longer."

Keeping active on social media, Moth and Moon has offered gift cards for people to purchase which they can spend when lockdown is lifted.

Matt says this has been a tremendous help in securing the economic safety of the pub and pubs like Moth and Moon during the virus.

"Another lifeline for pubs has come from Budweiser Brewing group with their Save Pub Life initiative, which allows customers to buy gift vouchers for their chosen pub, which Budweiser will then double in value for the pub up to the first thousand pounds.

"Having already sold quite a considerable number of vouchers for The Moth it's definitely going to be a cracking reopening once we're allowed and it's safe to do so."

"A lot of the pubs in Falmouth, especially pubs with kitchens seem to be very proactive and keeping afloat, hopefully, through takeaway food services," Matt said.

Many pubs in Falmouth have expanded their usual business to keep operating during the virus. Jacob's Ladder, for example, launched a food and drink delivery service.

"Local breweries and beer suppliers, such as Treens Brewery, Dynamite Valley, and The Beer Man are doing the same with drinks, and hopefully all these businesses will be in a strong position when we come out the other side of this."

You can find out more about The Moth and The Moon here.