CREWE'S award-winning Belgian-style bar Hops opened its doors today for the first time in five months with Covid-19 measures in place.

The area's connoisseurs of craft ales and continental beers have been left on tenterhooks waiting for an announcement over the Prince Albert Street venue's return after many other pubs emerged again on or after July 4 with the easing of lockdown.

Landlords Michael and Felicity Oakes revealed on social media before that landmark, billed as "Super Saturday", that they would be remaining shut while they contemplated a reshuffle to the premises' cosy bar and drinking room to accommodate social distancing.

Now they have announced Hops is back for business with table service only and special measures in force.

On their social media pages, the landlords thanked customers for their patience and support and stated: "We're looking forward to welcoming you back. The way we operate is going to be different, but we hope with a decent dose of positivity and a sensible approach to socialising safely we will be able to welcome you to our little corner of Crewe once more."

Drinkers will need to reserve their indoor seating, while outdoor seating is on a first-come first-served basis.

Revised opening hours are in force and the landlords stress all customers need to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 protocols.

Initially, Hops will open on Wednesdays and Thursdays (4pm to 10.30pm), Fridays and Saturdays (12 midday to 11pm) and Sunday (12 noon to 10.30pm). It will be shut on Mondays and Tuesdays and there will be no food service to start with as the business welcomes back its customers.