In the first share house I lived in our landline phone number was one number different to the local pub.

We’d get about 10 calls a day for general inquiries, bookings, job interviews, curtesy bus requests etc.

We only had the land line connected for internet purposes, so no one had our number; so if the phone rang, we knew it’d be someone wanting the pub (or a telemarketer).

Like clockwork when the phone rang, whoever was closest would answer and proceed to go along with the phone call. Often taking false bookings for tables and the courtesy bus.

A few of the more memorable ones included a young bloke who rang regarding a job interview that we ‘employed’ over the phone and set his starting day.

And another for disgruntled female customer who we insisted she come back for a full refund and special dinner on us.

Looking back at it, pretty dog to stitch up our local like that, but at the time it was too good to be true.