In November landlord Simon Bond said that under Tier 2 restrictions it is "nearly impossible to operate without losing money".

But a change in his own circumstances and a review of what was viable has led to the decision to partially open, starting this Friday (December 18).

The pub will be operating on a booked tables system, with 11 tables (3 tables for 2 people and 8 tables for 3 people), for people in the same household or bubble.

Simon said: "Over the past few weeks due to illness I have been in and out of hospital, and during this time I have put in a lot of thought of how we can open under Tier 2 restrictions.

"We have set up the pub again to operate basically as a restaurant. I have been following other pubs and seen how they have done it, I think by doing a simple menu - ie this weekend chilli and rice and a vegetarian curry with rice, nachos, jacket potatoes with fillings, I think we can operate, albeit at a reduced capacity.

"We owe it to our regulars to be open for them before Christmas as a thank you for supporting us this year.

"We can but try and we are confident it will work out. Going forward we will only be open Wed-Sunday to try and keep costs down and to a minimum.

"I am really hoping we don't go into tier 3 otherwise all this planning expense will be for nothing again."

The opening hours are:

  • Friday, December 18: 5-11pm
  • Saturday, December 19 :12-11pm
  • Sunday, December 20: 5-11pm

The pub will remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for the time being.

To book tables contact Simon on email at palmy.arms2018@gmail.com or 07531309436.