Long Sutton pub landlord may not re-open straight away if 2 metre rule still in place

A pub landlord says he probably won’t open next month if the two metre coronavirus social distancing rules are enforced.

Speculation had been that beer gardens would be allowed to open from next Tuesday, June 22; but last week, business secretary Alok Sharma said that it would not be until July 4 “at the earliest” before pubs, bars and restaurants could return.

Sean Portass, who runs Palmers Ale House and Kitchen in Long Sutton, said that he could not see how the pub could operate and have the same atmosphere with two-metre social distancing in place.

Sean and his wife Dana had planned to reopen the pub with a new look on May 1 after returning to its helm earlier this year.

However, lockdown changed that plan and instead the couple have used the time to refurbish the pub in Market Place, bringing back its upmarket gastro pub feel.

“We have renovated the rooms and the kitchen and put down a new oak floor, new bar and fully redecorated it, we’ve put out new patio furniture, everything.”

But he is still waiting to hear from the Government on what measures need to be put in before they can reopen.

“If I am totally honest, with the two-metre distancing I probably won’t open. It is a gastro pub; we would lose half our trade if we are social distancing.

“I am just sitting on the fence to see what happens.

“Whatever happens is going to take away the atmosphere of a traditional pub.”