Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Jul 2020

Last Updated: 04/07/2020

Knaresborough

Knaresborough's landlords nervous and excited to reopen

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 04 Jul, 2020

Pubs and restaurants in Knaresborough reopened today after months of lockdown. They were beginning to fill up around lunchtime.

Pubs and restaurants in Knaresborough reopened today after months of lockdown. Landlords were feeling "quite anxious but a little bit excited too".

Knaresborough's pubs were beginning to fill up around lunchtime but many saw fewer numbers than the same time pre-lockdown.

The town's pubs were offering drinks and foods on a mainly pre-booked system, with walk-ins allowed if there was space. Many of the landlords had to reduce seating and menus to accommodate current guidelines, but all of them were excited to finally reopen their doors.

Tony Robb, one of the landlords at Mother Shipton Inn, said:

"I'm feeling a bit nervous we just wanted to make sure everything was in place with the tables and sanitiser. We've got plenty of space but we've still taken a few seats away. We've been looking forward to it though, we've been waiting for this day. I think people want to get back to some normality and get out and socialise."

Sam Small from the Mother Shipton Inn, added:

"Its a complicated feeling, I'm quite anxious but a little bit excited too. We just want to make sure everyone feels safe, we've done everything we can. Its quiet for this evening but looking good for tomorrow. I don't think its going to take off straight away but I'd rather it was a little steady.

Ripon's largest pub reopened early this morning to serve their customers after months of lockdown.

The reopening of hospitality is crucial for the Harrogate district following a tough lockdown.

Ashleigh Lambert, owner of Six Poor Folk said:

"We're open and it's lovely. It's taken a lot to get to this point and it'll be nice to see our regulars again. We've got quite a lot of bookings for this afternoon, and then we're fully booked from 6pm. It's just getting used to the different measures, hopefully it'll all come together."

Customers were also pleased to return to their local pub, Gary Stafford has been waiting to return to Mother Shipton Inn. He said:

"We've been waiting for this day its just great to come back, I feel very comfortable. I missed just being able to chat to someone a bit different."

Thank you for your interest in this story

Knaresborough's landlords nervous and excited to reopen

Read more: