Well my boyf has been in a few times since moving here for a drink, we went on for our dinner tonight, and while the food is good for the price and the service is good and the staff are really making an effort, I really don't wont to hear about how people have have the shits and are planning to (in their words) shit on the table to prove it!!!! Especially while I'm eating.... Shocking that all the other tables were empty!!? Seasonal trade may be just that and those customers may be the bread and butter but I can't see 10-15 customers sustaining a long term business, I for one won't be eating to suggesting to anyone else I know to ever eat there!! What a shame!!!
It is a shame if the place has upped its game. You can't really blame the pub but sometimes punters need a (friendly) nudge from the bar staff to get them to change the subject. Otherwise, like you, people will steer clear.
Any business be it a pub, restaurant or store. If you don't give good service whatever it may be you WILL go out of business no doubt about it. I for one, once, and only once went to the The Railway Inn never will go back in there. The staff SHOULD not HAVE to make an effort. If any business has to rely on the short summer season they WILL go out of business they should focus more on the real bread and butter, by that I mean the locals.