Long wait is over
There were cheers all round as West Lothian’s beer gardens opened up this week.
The easing of lockdown restrictions saw punters flock to their locals to quench their thirst and meet up with drinking buddies for the first time in over three months.
Bathgate’s Railway Tavern was just one of the pubs that enjoyed a happy reopening.
Owner Colin Hilditch told the Courier:“It was great to get back open and see so many regular faces again.”
Pub goers were able to raise a glass of their favourite tipple as beer gardens opened up across the county this week.
The easing of lockdown restrictions meant that folk could enjoy a beer in the sun from Monday.
Locals made the most of the weather as they sat outside in the sun and enjoyed a sociallydistanced drink.
The Railway Tavern in Bathgate enjoyed a happy reopening.
Owner Colin Hilditch said: “It was great to get back open and see so many regular faces again.
“We were really happy with how business went. It was a great turnout and decent weather helped.”
The pub had placed hand sanitisers throughout the beer garden as well as requiring punters to scan into the track and trace system.
John Smillie, who has been manager of the pub for 16 years, added: “This has been the most challenging thing we’ve experienced but it was great to get back. It’s been a long time.
“We’ve put a lot of work into making sure everything was in place, just waiting for the day that we were able to open again, and it went really well.”
The new safety measures in place at the Tally Ho in Winchburgh included two extended outdoor marquees to sit over 100 customers as well as a dedicated area for older punters and table service using a mobile Perspex screen.
Licensee Trevor Spence said: “We’ve missed our regulars and feel excited to be bringing some normality back to people’s lives again.
“Whilst we’ve put some new measures in place, the character of The Tally hasn’t changed.
“We can’t thank the community enough for the support they’ve given us throughout this difficult time.
“People are keen to come back, get a proper pint and meet up.
“As soon as we opened up table reservations they started flying in.”
It was great to see so many regular faces