The popular and award winning Geese & Fountain pub at Croxton Kerrial will be joining the many opening their doors this weekend.

But for now the venue will be without its famous and highly-rated food as it re-opens its doors to the public for the first time in more than three months.

Like other pubs re-opening, there will be many changes to bring it into line with government guidelines to ensure the safety of both its staff and customers.

As Nub News has reported recently, the lockdown has presented many challenges to husband and wife team Nick Holden and Kate Ahrens, who have transformed the venue since taking over the village pub several years ago.

In addition to re-inventing the business, the couple also fought their landlord who, despite lockdown, still expected rents to be paid in full. Their campaign received national coverage, including an appearance on ITN News but the battle for them and many other publicans has yet to be won.

More recently, the couple, helped by staff and supportive villagers, have been readying the historic pub for the re-opening, including tidying up the large beer garden, which will allow the Geese & Fountain to host many customers despite social distancing guidelines.

The pub has produced a video explaining the changes.

The couple also made a long post on their Facebook page giving guidance for customers looking to call in this weekend.

They said they completed their risk assessments earlier in the week, with much being done to keep everyone safe.

Their post said: "Firstly though we do want to say how much we are looking forward to seeing all our customers and friends again. We have missed you over the past thirteen weeks, and we really want to get back to normal: serving you great beer, great food and helping you have a great time at the pub.

"Covid-19 is still very much around, as the recent events in Leicester show clearly, and it is still a dangerous and deadly disease. So we don't want to put anyone at risk.

"Many pubs have decided not to open this weekend, and we understand and sympathise with their decisions. There are many good reasons to wait a little longer before re-opening.

"However, with our large garden we believe that the work we've done over the past two weeks means it is safe for us to re-open, but only if everyone co-operates with some key changes to the way we normally work."

The couple explained: "For THIS WEEKEND the following will apply. We will then close again for Monday and Tuesday (Monday's quiz will be streamed on facebook live, like the last three months have been) to allow us to review all our safety measures, make changes and then re-open from Wednesday, July 8th."

This weekend the pub will open from midday Saturday until 10pm, with a last entry at 9pm. On Sunday, it will open from midday until 4pm, with a last entry at 3.30pm.

Nick and Kate continued: "We WILL NOT BE SERVING FOOD this weekend. We need to 'start small' with minimal risks, and add in other activities once we are sure the basics are in place.

"Also our kitchen is small and social distancing is difficult. We are making some changes, which are not quite ready, and we do not want to put our staff at risk."

They advice people to book to help them plan, saying bookings can be done using Facebook or by ringing 01476 870350.

"We will have a small number of tables inside and a larger number of tables outside. We will not be setting time limits to your visits, or imposing a deposit or booking charge.

"If you do not book, you are still welcome to visit the Geese and Fountain but we cannot guarantee that we will have a table available for you."

Bookings will be restricted to tables of 6 from the same household or 'bubble' to practice social distancing. Neighbouring tables can be found for those meeting people outside their bubble or household.

Their post continued: "When you arrive at the Geese and Fountain please come in through the FRONT DOOR. We will greet you and tell you which table we have available for you. All your drinks will be brought to you at your table.

"Please wash your hands or use sanitiser on arrival, before leaving, and each time you use the toilets.

"There will be a ONE WAY system (the front door is IN only, the car park door is OUT only). There will also be one way systems in the garden at busy times.

"Please fill in a paper slip with your contact details, so that we can provide them to NHS Track and Trace if necessary. These slips will not be used for any other purpose and will be destroyed after 21 days.

"The corridor behind the bar is now STAFF ONLY. The ladies toilet has moved to one of our B&B rooms. Please follow the signs."

Nick and Kate added: "Please follow the guidance, and the information provided to you during your visit. It is all being done for your safety and protection.

"Thank you. We really are looking forward to seeing you all again."