(NOTE: This article was revised on April 23rd to include more specific information on opening hours and time of Saturday meat draw)
Villagers will be able to look in at their local from today as the Merry Harriers reopens after three months of lockdown closure.
General manager Jake Andreou and chef Nick Ash said they were looking forward to seeing familiar faces for outdoor drinks and food. The pub reopened at 11am today following the recent relaxing of Coronavirus restrictions that allows for six people in a socially distanced group or members of two households to meet in open spaces.
It will not be possible to go inside the pub until the next phase of lockdown easing, on May 17th, but regulars can drink outside and, this time, there is no Government ruling requiring customers to order a “substantial meal”.
“We are looking forward to seeing our regulars, whether they just want a drink or to eat as well”, said Jake. He said his staff would take orders from tables in the garden where a new marquee has been erected.
Villagers can ring the pub to ensure there is space or just pop in. The 16th Century Merry Harriers has a large garden as well as tables at the front, so there should be plenty of room. Food will be available until 4pm and the pub will remain open until 8pm in the first month. Hours will be extended as the days get warmer and the nights longer.
For the time being the pub will be open from 11am Thursday through to Sunday. A reduced menu of starters, mains and desserts will be available.
A full menu, with many new dishes, will be introduced in May.
The popular meat draw will be reinstated, taking place every Saturday from this weekend at around 5.30pm. Jake hopes to restart the quiz night soon and is also looking to hold a weekend “festival” in early August with bands, beers and barbecue.
For visitors from further afield, accommodation in the shepherd huts is available and many bookings have already been taken. Llama treks have restarted.