Delighted to be back in the local: ‘It feels brilliant’
PUB regulars have been counting down to the moment when they can enjoy a pint indoors.
And yesterday that moment finally arrived as coronavirus restrictions eased to allow indoor service across the hospitality sector.
Many businesses were unable to accommodate outdoor-only service from April 12, making today the first time in over six months they could open to customers.
But that first pint with friends was well worth the wait for people who decided to visit their local today.
Jennifer Chapman was one of the first customers at PTE Social Club, in Byker, when they reopened at 11.30am yesterday.
She said: “It feels brilliant to be back, absolutely brilliant. [My friend Richard] has been sending me messages with a countdown every day for months, right down until the last minute.”
E-club chairman Richard Reed added: “It feels like heaven to be back. I’ve been counting down the days. Coming to the club is more than just a pint, it’s a pint with friends and that’s what I’ve missed.”
Regulars Jim O’Sullivan and Garry McTaggard were also eager to return to PTE Social Club, which committee members had worked daily during lockdown to refurbish.
Stewardess Linda Dickinson explained that this included deep cleaning over 500 ceiling tiles, varnishing doors and restoring furniture.
Garry and Jim’s priority this morning was to head to the club for a game of snooker together after six months away from their hobby.
Garry said: “It feels smashing to be back playing snooker after watching it on the TV for six months and knowing I can’t have a game.”