COMMUNITY pubs are encouraging families to eat out together by offering big savings.

The Kings Lock in Booth Lane, Middlewich and The Red Lion in Wharton Road, Winsford are launching a 50 per cent discount off their food menu from this evening, Thursday.

Half price meals will be available from 5pm to 8pm Monday to Friday for tables of six or less and must be booked in advance.

Martin Moseley, is one of the directors of Weaver Valley Co-operative, which also runs The Gate in Winsford.

The host of The Kings Lock said: "We are trying to keep everything community based. The mental health of a lot of people is affected by the pandemic so we want to give people a chance to get out of the house for a couple of hours.

"All our food is home made and we serve traditional meals like pie of the day. We also cater for boaters who want a bar snack or something quick to eat."

As Cheshire East is in the second tier of lockdown, only members of the same household or support bubble can sit at the same table indoors.

The Kings Lock is also holding live entertainment gigs and various events outside.

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Their marquee has been rebuilt by a professional company to make it fully secure for the winter.

Northwich Guardian:

Tables are spread out in the marquee to create a Covid safe environment

Tables have been spread out to create a Covid safe environment and a waiter service is in operation as the marquee continues to operate on a rule of six.

"We have new heaters and lots of new lighting to make it comfortable for colder nights," said Martin. "The events have gone absolutely great. We are so lucky that our customers have backed us and shown support when we needed it. We're only a small pub."

An intimate evening with Tom Hingley from Inspiral Carpets fame on Saturday, October 17 is a sell out.

Northwich Guardian:

A live gig with Tom Hingley from Inspiral Carpets fame at The Kings Lock is a sell out

"We've had a fantastic response to the Tom Hingley gig," said Martin. "If anyone would still like to come they can get in contact and we can add them to a reserves list in case of any cancellations.

"We've got a huge beer garden and a lot of big umbrellas donated so we can have extra tables at the back of the marquee.

Northwich Guardian:

The Kings Lock hopes to have live music every weekend

"We're hoping to have live music every weekend."

The pub is reintroducing a quiz night every Wednesday, starting on October 21 from 7pm, and an open mic every Thursday, starting on October 22 from 7.30pm.

Booking for both events is essential.

The Lion also plans to offer live entertainment every weekend, with a live instrumentalist on Sunday.

"If everyone adheres to the rules and staff and customers work together, there is no reason why we can't keep pubs open," said Martin.