A PUB in Earley is offering the chance at winning free meals and drinks to the customers who give the best excuse to justify being in the pub.

The George, Loddon Bridge Road, Earley, announced the idea earlier this month, and entries will be available to submit until August 4.

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According to pub chain Greene King, “I need to get out of the house” topped the list of most commonly-used excuses for a trip to their local, making up 31 per cent, closely followed by ‘I deserve it’ with 27 per cent, and the classic ‘It’s hot’ making up 21 per cent of all excuses.

Many also highlighted the pub’s atmosphere (20%), a freshly poured pint (16%) and the fact that food tastes better when someone else cooks it (16%) as their reasons.

Summer-rose Lacey, general manager at the George Chef & Brewer pub, said: “Berkshire locals are wanting to come to the pub more than they have in years in order to see friends, have a family meal or a night out with their partner – but it’s been so long since they’ve been able to socialise properly, some feel like they need a reason to justify it to themselves.

Reading Chronicle: Greene KingGreene King

“As a team, we’ve loved seeing our guests find any possible reason to make up for lost time with their loved ones - which is why we’ve decided to have a bit of fun with it.

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“Between now and Wednesday, August 4, people giving the most entertaining excuses for visiting will be rewarded with money towards a meal and drink so they can live out their excuse again with their loved ones.

“Perhaps you’ve lost your keys, the dog ate your dinner, or you’re simply making up for lost time by making special occasions extra special this year – tell us your entertaining, heartwarming or even most outlandish reasons for visiting, and we’ll reward the best!”

To submit your excuse, visit https://www.chefandbrewer.com/AnyExcuse.