A PUB landlord says customers will have a "very different experience" as the doors reopen but is looking forward to welcoming regulars back following the long closure.
The Gerard Arms will be reopening from Monday, July 6 in line with all pubs in the Greene King chain.
Landlord Mark Hayes, who took the reins at the Dentons Green pub two years ago, says visitors will be in for a different experience at first.
He says changes will include table service, taking orders digitally via an app and customers will be guided to a seat by a host on entry.
"It is going to be completely different," said Mark.
"It's going to be table service through the pub, you will be greeted by a host as you arrive and then seated.
"There will be no standing up at drinking within the bar itself. It will be finding a seat and then that's your perch.
"The contact with customers is going to be from the table itself and not from the bar. There is still going to be a pay and order at the bar, with one till and a screen will be up.
"Everyone becomes unfurloughed and there are some new staff as well."
The Gerard reopens on July 6
The pub will be reopening with a reduced menu and narrower range of drinks to start with.
Mark has also been rearranging the furniture in the pub to ensure the social distancing guidelines are adhered to.
1am and I have been playing juggle the 1 metre distanced furniture for the last 3 hours 😭😭
— The Gerard Arms (@TheGerardWA10) June 23, 2020
It sounds much easier than what it is trust me 😂😂🤯#thegerard #sthelens #backinthegame pic.twitter.com/5li9mFMC3N
"We're still going for around the two metres between tables just to be safer for customers and staff," he added.
"We are changing the experience within the pub, just making sure we get it right."
Staff can wear masks and protective equipment if they want to and there will be glass collection points for them to use should they wish.
Mark says he is looking to have a marquee put in the beer garden at the back.
"The beer garden will be a different entity," added Mark.
"There you can stand up and we've got mobile seats and deck chairs.
"It's great having the big beer garden and if the weather changes we don't want everybody rushing inside so we're hoping to have a marquee or some sort of cover for part of the beer garden.
"Myself and the staff are looking forward to seeing everybody."
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