PUB-GOERS can enjoy a pint and game of table tennis thanks to a quirky new initiative.
The Blacksmiths Arms, in Stranton, Hartlepool, is hoping to tap in to the post-Olympic enthusiasm for the sport by offering drinkers the chance to test their skills.
Landlord David Mountney said the family-run pub is offering people something different to the usual darts, quiz and game of pool.
And depending on how popular the new attraction is, the pub could look to organise table tennis competitions, says David.
The 57-year-old landlord, who is married to Mandy, 51, said: “It follows on from something we read in the national press and there was one venue in London which had a bar and restaurant and 18 table tennis tables.
“The sport is popular and has a higher profile after the Olympics so we decided to do something in Hartlepool.
“We are hoping to run competitions and this is definitely something a little bit different.
“A lot of places have dart boards and pool tables, as do we, but we wanted to give this a try and it has gone down very well so far.”
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