PUBS across the district prepared to reopen their doors on Saturday after months of closure.

It follows the reopening of town centres and non-essential shops as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

And while the announcement is a welcome one for patrons and landlords alike, it comes with a degree of uncertainty.

The traditional pub experience will be very different to before lockdown and establishments will be forced to follow strict guidance.

Manager of The Crown Inn, in Humshaugh, David Harding has described the reopening of the hospitality sector as a 'guessing game'.

“We’re doing everything we can, as far as social distancing and hand sanitiser at the bar”, said Mr Harding.

“Whilst we’ve been shut, we’ve also done loads of work to the pub. It’s going to be very different.”

As well as fitting a beer garden, the popular pub has opened up a new area to create more space for customers.

He added: “I’m excited, but apprehensive at the same time. We’re fortunate the pub has been really successful.”

David explained there was still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Saturday’s reopening and questioned whether people would come to pubs at all or if they’d continue to drink at home.

He also said it would be a difficult decision to bring staff back from furlough.

“It’s a guessing game”, said David. “A lot of landlords in Newcastle aren’t opening until Monday, but I’d like to think out where we are, we won’t have an issue.”

The pub is due to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, however plans for a big knees up were now on the backburner to focus on public safety.

Other popular pubs across the region, including the Golden Lion, in Corbridge, and the Boathouse, in Wylam, have chosen not to reopen on Saturday.

And on June 15, the Black Bull, also in Wylam, said on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that Dave and Mike would like to tell you all that we and our fabulous teams will no longer be part of the Black Bull. We have loved every minute of being here and serving you, but sadly that time has come to an end.

“We wish we could continue to be part of the community which welcomed us so warmly, but that is sadly not possible.

“To each and everyone of you that has supported us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you all, we will miss you, big love.”