A RURAL pub is keeping its customers close despite being forced to shut.
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Chewton's Red Hill Hotel has kept running its regular Friday night trivia, after COVID-19 control restrictions forced it to close.
Attendee numbers have soared as keen trivia players take to Zoom. About 100 people play most weeks, compared to 20-30 teams under the old normal.
Bar staff member Crag Carrick said the pub wanted to keep its community engaged in a small town with a good customer base.
The pub closed when Victoria implemented stage 3 restrictions.
Mr Carrick said the hotel's small kitchen meant staff couldn't even offer takeaway, because social distancing would be impossible.
He said the pub was well known for its social media interaction, and wanted to take this one step further.
Trivia used to take place after dinner service on a Friday.
Where Friday's a big night in Melbourne, Bendigo, even Castlemaine, the timing worked for the Red Hill Hotel: the only venue within walking distance for Chewton residents.
Mr Carrick said the head waiter would get a beer, and host the night after dinner finished.
Now trivia gives quizmaster Felix, the normally busy waiter, something to keep him engaged with the customers.
People log in from home; some alone, some with their household.
Mr Carrick said it was nice for the pub's staff and customers to see the people they normally see.
They try to keep it fun, some weeks with fancy dress.
On Friday, it will be formal wear.
"People haven't had an excuse to get dressed up for more than a month now," Mr Carrick said.
"It's a nice way people can get dressed up, get a glass of wine, and play some trivia on a Friday night."
The Red Hill Hotel hopes to build on the event, after the coronavirus dust settles.
Mr Carrick said it was a good thing to do, as no one knew what the world would look like after restrictions eased.
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