It has been a tough year so far for hospitality, but Tyne Valley pubs have reacted with joy and excitement to further lifting of lockdown restrictions.

As of Monday, May 17, pubs and restaurants can serve customers indoors with groups of up to six people from two households able to meet up - meaning hundreds of businesses across Northumberland will be opening their doors for the first time this year..

Despite being closed since November 6, staff at the Crown Inn at Humshaugh have been busy doing work on the pub both inside and out – including a ‘Vespa’ table.

Owner David Harding said: It’s massive really – we’re genuinely excited to open. The nature of the job that we do means we are people people, and we can’t wait to get people back in. Anybody is welcome.”

Regarding the Crown’s Vespa table, he continued: “It’s gone absolutely crackers! It’s one of those things I bought on a bit of a whim and I’m over the moon with how it has been received.”

But it’s not only newly re-opening pubs who are looking forward to get back into the swing of things.

Rain, snow and hail have all hit Northumberland in the last few weeks – consequently hitting pubs in their pockets.

Deborah Renshaw, Accounts Manager at The Angel of Corbridge, said: “Sales are down during the last couple of weeks. I think we were spoiled with the weather when we re-opened, but it’s been a lot quieter since. People aren’t going to come out when it’s throwing it down with rain!”

She continued: “Everybody’s buzzing to have some kind of normality back – everything’s planned out and we’re ready to go. Our rooms are going to be available from Monday too, and the accommodation side of the business is looking good going forward.”

The fourth and final stage of the Government’s Lockdown ‘roadmap’ is due to take place on June 21. All remaining restrictions will be lifted.