The landlord of The Fairway Buoy in Westward Ho!, Devon, Rob Braddick, posed in his boxers for a funny photo after his pub was flooded by huge waves during Storm Pierrick. The video footage shows the pub’s terrace being taken over by sea water, but Rob still managed to enjoy a pint of beer despite the flooding. He shared the photo on social media, joking that the bar had turned into a swim-up bar due to the water. The Environment Agency had issued flood alerts for the coastal areas of North Devon, including Westward Ho!, where the pub is located, and the Met Office had also warned of high winds and heavy rain in the area.
Rob Braddick humorously called the photo the ‘most British photo ever’, highlighting the British determination to have a good time regardless of the weather. He mentioned that despite the cold wind, the beer he was drinking was refreshing, and he wanted to raise a smile with the photo. Waves as tall as 40ft were hitting the wall outside the pub, causing some damage, but overall, the bar area survived the storm. Videos showed large waves battering the pub, but luckily, no lasting damage was done. Comments on Rob’s post praised his positive attitude and good humor in the face of the challenging situation.
The pub landlord also reflected on the maritime spectacle he witnessed, noting that those were the second-highest waves he had seen during his 25 years of running the pub. Reacting to the photo, people online commended Rob for finding a positive spin on the situation and wished him well in clearing up the mess caused by the storm. Rob’s humor and resilience in such conditions resonated with many, showcasing the spirit of making the best of a challenging situation. The playful response to the flooding showed how Brits often find humor and positivity in adversity.
Further discussions revealed that the flooding did not cause any significant damage to the bar area itself, despite the powerful waves. Rob mentioned losing a few chairs along the promenade to the beach, but overall, things were mostly okay. The photo captured a moment of levity in the midst of a storm, serving as a reminder of the pub’s resilience and the community’s ability to come together during difficult times. Despite the weather warnings and flood alerts, Rob found a way to bring a smile to people’s faces, showcasing the power of a positive attitude in adversity. The photo has since been shared widely, spreading the message of humor and strength in the face of challenges.
