A landlord has been forced to record his own video explaining to customers how to get to his pub after roadworks led to his watering hole operating at a third of its capacity.

The Riverside in Lechlade-on-Thames has seen the number of visitors through its doors plummet almost overnight after the Grade II-listed Halfpenny Bridge was struck in June.

Not helped by the poor weather dampening its main attraction of its picturesque views over the Thames, landlord Gareth Chapman has now taken matters into his own hands and taken to social media to show people they are still open.

The 41-year-old, who has been at the helm of the popular destination for two and a half years, said: "It's been the quietest six and a half weeks at the Riverside.

Swindon Advertiser: Halfpenny Bridge, Lechlade, after a car smashed into the side of itHalfpenny Bridge, Lechlade, after a car smashed into the side of it (Image: Gareth Chapman)

“Luckily we've had some lovely locals and previous customers coming to visit us here.

"We're hoping for some sun in the next few weeks to help kick-start the summer for us.

“We may only be running at a third capacity but we've still got the best view on the Thames.

"People can still travel along the Highworth Road to get to the car park and then take a 5-minute walk over the bridge to us," he said. 

Swindon Advertiser:

A car smashed into the historic bridge on June 20, with Gloucestershire County Council forced to make the decision to shut the road until it could repair the gaping hole.

Speaking to the Adver soon after, Gareth revealed that the usual 400 people he would get through the door had been reduced to 30. 

He said: “Last week the trade ceased because of the car accident on the bridge which happened on the Wednesday morning.

“Access has been blocked off at both ends of the bridge and this has led to less customers as we went down from 400 customers to 30.”

“We have been told that there is structural damage to the bridge but it’s now going to be a long-term closure and are suggesting September.”

But after weeks of unknown about when the works might begin, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Gloucestershire County Council has announced that work should start on-site around mid-August, take eight weeks, and finish around mid-October, subject to relevant consent approvals and weather conditions permitting.