A CREWE pub is running a bucket for entertainers who want to take to the stage now that drinkers have returned indoors.

The Express, along with other pubs and hospitality venues, opened its doors for indoor hospitality a week ago (May 17).

Table service, track and trace and strict Covid guidelines are in place.

At the Mill Street pub landlady Annette Price is determined to maintain the Express' reputation for hosting live bands and singers despite a lack of cash. She has booked in entertainment for the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend - DJ Billy T (Fri), Steve Paul (Sat), Chris Detori (Sun) - and is urging customers to make donations.

In a Facebook post she said: "We won't get an entertainment budget until all restrictions eased, but we want to try and get back to the party pub asap.

"We Expressers can do this so please give generously when we go round with the bucket so we can give our entertainers who are doing it for free some money for their loyalty."

The Express was among the town's pubs reopening to indoor trade, with some serving for the first time in eight months.

Belgian bar The Hops had been shut since last September, opting not to reopen for the short period after the November lockdown and before Cheshire East was placed under tier restrictions.

But the bar on Prince Albert Street reopened last Wednesday with indoor seating needing to be booked in advance here. Outdoor seating is on a first-come-first served basis.

Among others opening in the last week have been The Borough Arms, The Imperial on Edleston Road and Crafty Beggar on Pedley Street.

A new venture in High Street is Craft Beer Oasis, which had been serving outside via a veranda space, but landlord Alan Hinde is now open for beers inside.

Those able to open outside from April 12 included the Woodside, which invested in a new decking area, while the Hop Pole, on Wistaston Road, converted its former bowling green into outdoor drinking space to accommodate customers.

The restaurant trade has seen a new face in town with the Gourmet Food Hall opening up in the former Frankie and Benny's unit on the Grand Junction Retail Park. The business includes a bar and several brand outlets, including Smokey Joe's Thrill of the Grill and Fat Burgers.

Indoor entertainment, including cinemas, theatres and bingo halls are also returning to 'normality'.

Crewe's Odeon has reported a steady return with the number of films being increased on a daily basis.

While the Lyceum Theatre remains closed, live events are due to return in late July/August with the Bon Jovi Experience scheduled for Saturday, July 24 and comedian Jason Manford booked in for two shows on August 30.