Excitement was in the air in Weymouth as a new town business appeared on national television.
Sam Watson, founder of Dry Dock appeared on a segment of ITV’s This Morning yesterday to speak about his quirky business venture.
A camera was set up inside the no-alcohol bar on St Thomas Street ready for Sam to take part in a live interview with presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary who were in the studio.
Sam described his segment as a ‘feelgood Friday type of story,’ adding, ‘hopefully it will be a bit of a kickstart for us.’
He said: “The business has come together really well, so much better than I initially expected. We have seen lots of people through our doors.”
Alison Hammond introduced the segment and said: “You might be heading to the pub this Friday night or over the weekend, but you’ve probably never heard of a pub quite like this one.”
Sam appeared behind the bar where he told the presenters about the success of the community-based project and how it’s an inclusive space for everyone.
Weymouth local Chris Saddington was sat having a coffee in the venue with his dad Frank Saddington and step-mum Anne Rodgers whilst the filming was taking place.
Chris was behind the donation of the bar’s jukebox, pool table and some decorative woodworks.
He said: “I donated them because it’s a good local cause and I know Sam and I wanted to help him get the business off the ground.
“It’s nice to come here because we can come without the rowdiness and the atmosphere is quite nice.”
Sam opened the Doors to Dry Dock last month as it was for a cause close to his own heart following his own experiences with alcohol.
The founder said: “I struggled with mental health problems and found the solution in alcohol and self-medication, and I ended up as a dependant drinker for a number of years. I have been in recovery for about three and a half years and have not had a drink for about 18 months.
“I feel that I want to give something back to the community because a lot of people got behind me when I was having a tough time and I want to give that back.”
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