The Green Man at Ropsley is ready to open on Saturday July 4 and already it is taking bookings for food.

Landlord Phil Docherty, who runs the business with wife Leanne, said it was great to hear of the confirmed July 4 re-opening date, along with reduced social distancing measures.

Phil told Nub News: "We'll certainly be opening on Saturday 4th July and are already receiving an encouraging level of pre-bookings for July and beyond.

"We'll not be offering the usual dining on the 4th as we always promised to host a BBQ and garden party for our local community and regular clientele upon reopening.

"Normal dining and reservations will recommence from Sunday 5th."

As for changes to the pub, Phil says they are underway already.

He continued: " We're already ready! We had plans in place that adapted to whatever conditions the government were likely to lay out. We're so keen to get back to doing what we love so much; great beer, great food and great hospitality.

"Our suppliers have been fantastic in administering all the logistics involved in getting us fresh beer and food supplies back up to our usual stock levels.

"Our team are being briefed later this week on all the new measures and policies in place to protect our customers whilst still retaining the memorable, enjoyable experience in visiting The Green Man."

But the one metre spacing guidelines will mean fewer tables and the possibility of a queue to go to the toilet.

"Other than that, our outdoor capacity with the decking and garden space means we can still accommodate over 100 people safely and comfortably."

And while some pubs have been closed totally during lockdown, over the past few months, Phil and Leanne have been kept busy cementing the pub's role as an essential part of the village.

It served take-away, afternoon teas and was able to support the vulnerable and those shielding.

Phil said: "We really want to thank everyone who supported us throughout the lockdown.

"That support came in various ways; we had some individuals who personally donated monies to support our meals provision to the vulnerable who were shielding at home locally.

"The level of takeaway business far surpassed what we were expecting and our Afternoon Teas were an incredible success on both VE Day and Father's Day. So much so, we'll be continuing to offer Afternoon Tea deliveries going forward.

"We were incredibly lucky to have a healthy, thriving business before lockdown which has enabled us to weather the storm.

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