With Britain back in the midst of local lockdowns and many opting not to go to the pub, X Factor's Sam Bailey has come up with a solution and built her own backyard pub. With everything from a fully stocked bar, to darts, a smoking area and Sky Sports on the big screen. We caught up with her to find out how she is settling in to her new local.
Sam Bailey
We hear you have a new (very local) pub! Please tell us all about it and how it came about.
With all of us being a bit wary of pubs at present and in some cases locked out, we thought if we can’t go, why not bring it home! We also wanted to do something to mark the passing of Craig’s father, so we named it Eddie’s Bar in honour of him.
It’s really been amazing to see it come to life. We’ve got Sky Sports, spirits, darts, bar snacks – everything you could want from your traditional pub!
How did you and your family cope during lockdown and what did you do to make the situation easier?
It was weird. As the kids went back to school I did find myself thinking, I’ve all got all this time on my hands! So I started a Facebook group called Bailey’s Cuppa Crew with my fans. I’d sit down every morning, sing a few songs, have a natter and bring everyone together. I wanted to do it to help combat loneliness. There’s loads of people out there, particularly the old and vulnerable with no one to talk to, so sometimes just having a cup of tea and a chat, albeit it virtually, can help connect everyone and deal with the isolation.
I’m also going to be doing this at Christmas, so that people can share their Christmas dinners together online and have a sing-a-long to some classics. Sometimes, all people need is a bit of a push to come together and what better time than at Christmas?
How did lockdown effect you personally and your plans for this year?
Obviously it’s had a huge impact on the events industry and so for me its been the singing part. Thankfully I have been able to do this online as part of Bailey’s Cuppa Crew, so the voice has remained tuned up!
Personally it did get me down. I’m a real people person so to be not getting up and meeting/greeting fans, going to venues has been strange. I was waking up early with an empty house once the kids returned to school and found myself with a lot of spare time on my hands like everyone.
But I’m an optimistic person. I’ve recently recorded a Christmas charity single, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society and Action for Children, two charities close to my heart. It’s got loads of big names in it too like GMB’s Richard Arnold and even some unsuspecting ones like Anne Hegerty off The Chase! So I can’t wait for you all to hear it.
As we are in the midst of local lockdowns what would your advice be to people who are struggling?
Stick together. Now that might not be face-to-face in the traditional way but do what you can online. Find out what community groups there are in your local area and see what they are saying. You’ll find there are a lot of people in your position just looking for a chat and some company.
And if you fancy a brew and a natter with me, join Bailey’s Cuppa Crew!
Has singing helped to lift your spirits during lockdown?
Definitely! I’ve been doing everything from your big ballads to your cheesy pop songs to help keep everyone entertained. Music lifts the soul and it certainly keeps me energised.
What have you been watching on the big screen in your new pub?
Mostly Leicester FC’s games! Sometimes the kids drop in and we stick on their favourite programmes to keep them entertained.
What is your drink of choice?
Tea or coffee! I know it’s ironic in that sense to build a bar but its for the family to enjoy as a chill out space, and the alcohol will certainly get drunk!
Now you have the experience of building and opening a new garden pub, what tips do you have for others who want to do the same?
We had some help from a wonderful firm called Dunster House, so I’d definitely recommend them if you need a hand. Really it’s all about converting what you have into something new. Transform that garden shed into your own little boudoir, man cave or chill out zone!
There’s also plenty of pub building groups available on Facebook like Pub Sheds & Man Caves, that can give you practical ideas, inspiration and advice. Most of all, just try and do ‘you’ by filling it with your own unique touches. In ours we’ve got tributes to Leicester City and other things we enjoy, so make it personal!
What is next for you?
I’m looking at singing plans for 2021 but that really depends on Government advice and guidelines. Hopefully I’ll be able to do a tribute show to Bailey’s Cuppa Crew when all of this is over! I’ll also be raising spirits on the group over Christmas and generally just looking forward to a nice bit of family time at Christmas, I think we all need it after this year!
RELATED: Exclusive interview with Sam Bailey on breakfast, confidence, friends and success
'People can't think properly- your brain doesn't function properly unless you have food. When you have breakfast in the morning- if it's a rushed breakfast- kids don't want to eat. When I was in the prison service, we had a rushed breakfast. By the time 10am comes around, the kids are leaning into their hands, trying not to fall asleep and can't function properly'... to read more click HERE
Tagged in The X Factor Sam Bailey Lockdown