THE ending of nearly all lockdown restrictions next Monday has been welcomed by a Weston hospitality venue.

The White Lion Weston is looking forward to welcoming customers back indoors in larger numbers as the Rule of Six and table service are among the Covid-19 measures vanishing on what has been dubbed Freedom Day (July 19).

The government announced earlier this week that Social distancing and legal limits on gatherings will end as part of step four of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

Now larger group bookings will be possible again in venues and rules on table service only will end allowing customers to go up to the bar to make their orders.

Face coverings will no longer be mandatory, although still recommended.

White Lion manager Chris Johnson said: "We can go back to having bigger tables in the restaurant. We can go back to entertaining more than two households round one table.

"At the moment having only a maximum of six people from six different households indoors has restricted our takings from larger parties."

Chris says the White Lion has prepared its staffing levels to cope with the anticipated demand.

And the manager says he is looking forward to welcoming some of the village hostelry's regulars back to the bar.

"We're excited but at the same time we understand we still have to be careful and maintain all the extra hygiene practises we have in place," he cautioned.

"But for me I think it's very important to understand how much some of our regulars like Brian, Paul and Rob are looking forward to being able to come up to the bar and order a pint like they used to."

The White Lion are ready to announce some "special plans" and new menus and a list of Saturday night entertainment are ready for launch.

Read all about the White Lion's expansion plans here in an exclusive Crewe Nub News article.

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