'It's good to see the landlord back': Pub-goers in Northampton reunited with friends and favourite tipples

It was a steady lunchtime on Wellingborough Road today as the first customers headed back to their locals
The Gardener's Arms landlord Paul Earwaker opened his pub on Wellingborough Road at 11am.The Gardener's Arms landlord Paul Earwaker opened his pub on Wellingborough Road at 11am.
The Gardener's Arms landlord Paul Earwaker opened his pub on Wellingborough Road at 11am.

Pubs in Northampton have reopened today with strict social distancing rules where no standing at the bar is allowed. Some pubs have introduced one-way systems, allocated time slots and cordoned off areas for games.

Kara Knight, who was sipping on a pint of Strongbow Dark Fruit before midday at The Gardener's Arms, was overjoyed to be back at her local.

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She said: "It has been a long three months. I have been a local here for years and it's brilliant to be back with my friends and seeing the old landlord back to his usual self all happy and chirpy."

Door staff Liam and Elisabeta stand outside The Old House where they are in charge of letting in customers from midday today.Door staff Liam and Elisabeta stand outside The Old House where they are in charge of letting in customers from midday today.
Door staff Liam and Elisabeta stand outside The Old House where they are in charge of letting in customers from midday today.

Landlord Paul Earwaker opened up at 11am today after a revamp during lockdown. He said: "We've got Facebook page for people to book tables, we've got about 20 tables booked throughout the course of today.

"We've decided to shut at 5pm until 6pm so we can sit there and assess everything to make sure it's working and if anyone is too drunk we can get them out of the door and take a break.

"Most of them are regulars today so they are happy to have a pint off the draft.

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"I presume once everyone realises they can't get in this weekend we will probably give time slots of two-three hours."

Pub landlord Darren gives a thumbs up behind his bar at Fiddlers.Pub landlord Darren gives a thumbs up behind his bar at Fiddlers.
Pub landlord Darren gives a thumbs up behind his bar at Fiddlers.

Tony Hollingsworth-Ellery - who is a supporting artist on TV and has shown his face on Doctors - had booked part of the Fiddlers pub with his pals to play pinball.

He said: "It's good to be back to be honest. It's not the alcohol, it's the people who bring me here. Seeing my friends and socialising is brilliant.

"When you're single and live on your own it's been difficult so it's nice to see people I haven't seen for a while."

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Landlord Darren opened his doors at noon. He added: "It's been very busy. Everyone is sticking to the rules and we have got door staff on from 2pm this afternoon to make sure everyone is adhering to Government guidelines.

A group of friends pose with their pints in Fiddlers at lunchtime in a section cordoned off for them to just play pinball and darts.A group of friends pose with their pints in Fiddlers at lunchtime in a section cordoned off for them to just play pinball and darts.
A group of friends pose with their pints in Fiddlers at lunchtime in a section cordoned off for them to just play pinball and darts.

"I reckon it's going to be a busy day as people make their way down the Welly Road."

Owner of the craft beer shop and bar Beer Guerrilla, in Wellingborough Road, Matt Boot is allowing customers to drink inside from 6.30pm today.

He is taking bookings only on a Friday and Saturday night and accepting walk-ins other nights.

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His bar team will be split into two separate teams so they are always working with the same people.

Malcolm Buswell, Matt Boot and Luke Knight pictured at Beer Guerrilla.Malcolm Buswell, Matt Boot and Luke Knight pictured at Beer Guerrilla.
Malcolm Buswell, Matt Boot and Luke Knight pictured at Beer Guerrilla.

"We've been open for quite a few months really as takeaway-only and now we are still only takeaway - it's not until this evening when we allow drinkers.

"I think there's always going to be anxiety for everybody really and we are doing what we can to manage it as best as possible. We are small enough to be able to change our decisions instantly should we decide if something is or isn't working.

"We've got quite a few tables booked in for tonight and a few people around over the course of the evening. I'm quite pleased we are not busy back-to-back - it will be nice to have it a bit quieter and relaxed."

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