Everyone’s feeling a bit rotten at the moment, there’s no doubt about it. Some people have lost their jobs, others have fallen sick, while many are just gutted that they can’t head out to the pub to see their mates like they normally would – which in itself is also a valid reason to go a bit under.

But one man in Bexley found an ingenious way to raise the spirits of his fiancée, by bringing the pub not only to her, but also – through the power of the virtual world – many more.

Steve Heming, a freight forwarder, realised his partner, Madeleine Markey, was feeling the strain of being cooped up inside, like many of us are.

Due to get married in June, their big day also hangs in the balance, meaning there’s been extra cause to commiserate.

Both being beer fans, Steve decided that a night out at the pub would be just the thing, albeit with a slight twist.

Steve told Therednow: “My fiancée has been feeling a bit down with everything going on, and as I could not cheer her up by taking her to the pub, I thought I would bring the pub to her.

“So I made the sign and we ordered the beers.”

The couple are both CAMRA members and are involved in running Reading Beer and Cider Festival.

With all CAMRA beer festivals nationwide now cancelled until the end of June, Madeline had been buying in drinks from breweries and cideries in and around Reading, as a means of ‘supporting local business during this difficult time‘.

Steve even decided to ‘open’ the pub to the online world, and has started running online events on Instagram (@stevehldn) – including everyone’s favourite, pub quizzes – where his bio now simply reads: “Bartender at the Isolate Inn.”

Madeleine, a publishing editor, told us: “He also wanted to cheer me up as we’re due to get married in June and the wedding date’s in jeopardy at the moment due to all the uncertainty with coronavirus.”

Explaining more about the tipples they’ve been buying in, she added: “Reading breweries we’re supporting include Tutts Clump, Loddon, Sirencraft, West Berks, Double Barrelled, Elusive and Wild Weather.“

She also said others in the area can refer to a comprehensive list of what breweries are offering (including free home delivery, etc.), which has been compiled by Tom Canning from Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival.

Despite the uncertainty ahead, the duo remain optimistic and urge others to use alternate means to socialise where possible.

“Just to keep smiling, keep your spirits up!” Steve said.

“We will get through this and keep in contact with everyone whether it’s on Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook – anything! Just stop buying toilet rolls!”

Right, I’m off to go and grab a pint. Okay, it’s a 330ml can from my fridge, but you know what? It’ll definitely do.