JOY and laughter filled the Kings Arms pub when it reopened in Middlewich after lockdown.
Regulars greeted their friends and bar staff with euphoric cheers as they returned to the popular Queen Street pub.
Manager Danny White said: "It was brilliant. It's an old classical pub with lots of regulars. Seeing them all come back one by one through the door, you could see the relief on their faces.
Danny White, manager of The Kings Arms in Middlewich and staff were delighted to welcome back regulars after lockdown
"They were so pleased to see their friends again. You realise how much they missed each other and how much we've missed them. It's like a little family in there."
Regulars were waiting outside when the doors reopened at 10am on Saturday.
"We have a lot of men who have lost their wives and this is where they come to meet each other and chat to their friends," said Danny, who has worked at the pub for 10 years. "It is their second home basically. This pub is such a big part of people's lives. I love my job. It has been hard not seeing people."
Danny, landlord John Chapman and their team of five staff Lauren Hussey, Lauren Eton, Karl Dawkins, Emily Phillips and Hannah Phillips were thrilled to welcome back regulars and visitors.
Social distancing measures were in place and everyone was happy to adhere to the new rules.
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Danny White, manager at the Kings Arms in Middlewich serves customers from behind a new safety screen
"I want to give a message of thanks," said Danny. "Everyone was so respectful. The guidelines are all in place. You can't stand at the bar and there is a queueing system in place. Tables are all spread out. There are hand sanitises at each door. It is new to us and new to customers but everyone abided by the rules."
Regulars popped in and throughout the day and sat outside in the beer garden.
"People were here until the pub closed at midnight," said Danny. "There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere. It was a really good day."
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