WILMSLOW pubs and bars enjoyed a successful reopening weekend and were thrilled to greet regulars who couldn’t wait to raise a glass after months in lockdown.

At Suburban Green, front of house manager Martin Lowe and chef Cal Gregg-Williams greeted familiar faces at their small-plates restaurant on Hawthorn Lane.

Although they ran a popular takeaway service over the past few months, Saturday was the first time customers could dine inside, and the chance to socialise in a safe but still special atmosphere was a big hit.

Cal said: “It was absolutely lovely to open up to our customers again and to welcome back our staff.

“In some ways, it was a relief to finally be able to open our doors to the public again. We didn’t know what people would think of the changes that we’ve made but we got a great reaction.

“Our aim was to allow our customer to return and find it the way we know that they like and with as few changes as possible. 

"There was a really great atmosphere and it just felt good to be back.”

The team at the popular eatery has spent weeks adapting to the government's guidance and has made a helpful guide highlighting these changes which can be viewed online suburban-green.co.uk 

While table numbers have reduced inside the restaurant, there is also space in the outdoor area, known as The Box, which boasts a retracting roof which to cater for all weathers. 

At present, there is a bookings-only system for the indoor space, and outdoor seating will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. And they are still running their popular takeaway service.

Cal added: “The safety of our staff and customers is paramount but we hope that the changes we’ve been busy making behind the scenes will help everyone to feel safe and comfortable so that they can enjoy themselves.”

At The Horse and Jockey, on Gravel Lane, Paul Johnson was equally delighted to welcome back a community of regulars.

He said: “It was really good to see some of our favourite locals back in the pub. We are very much a community pub and to see our regulars was brilliant.”

The pub is not currently serving food and to help ease the space constraints imposed by social distancing Paul and his team have erected a marquee in the pub car park.

Paul is very clear about how the pub will adhere to social distancing advice.

He said: “The most important thing for us is that our local customers feel as safe and comfortable as they always have. 

“We’re following the guidelines to keep everyone safe. We’re a community pub and our locals are so important to us and that’s what matters. If we have to ask people to move on if they aren’t complying to the government guidelines then we will do so.” 

Find out more about what The Horse and Jockey has planned on their Facebook thejockeywilmslow