World News for Students of English

01-02-2021 15:00

Oxford’s 450-year-old Lamb and Flag pub is being forced to shut down because of the pandemic, much like many other businesses in the hospitality industry.

Lamb and Flag first opened in 1566, and in 1613, it was moved to its present location in the city center where it later became a favorite of authors like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Despite its long tradition, the pub will close on January 31, as it’s not currently financially viable. It’s likely that it won’t be the only pub shutting its doors because of the pandemic.

According to the spokesperson for the Campaign for Real Ale, pubs are a very traditional part of British life, and they are a place to socialize. In the time of the coronavirus, people are beginning to appreciate the role of pubs in combating loneliness, and there have been calls for the government to provide sufficient support for historic venues to survive.

Difficult words: viable (able to survive), ale (a type of beer with a sweet full taste), venue (a place where something happens).

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