Chichester pub owners jubilant as venues prepare to reopen

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today that pubs and restaurants would be able to let customers back onto their sites from July 4 and at the same time, reducing the social distancing gap to one metre, where two is not possible.

Businesses were told they will be give guidance on how to reopen safely and punters' contact details will be taken to help with contact tracing.

The Bell Inn in Broyle Road will be reopening on July 5. Landlady Michelle Clatworthy said: "We are looking forward to getting all of our customers back into The Bell as safely as possible and serving them some proper beer and look forward to seeing everyone again soon."

The Partridge in Singleton will reopen on July 4. Landlady Sarah said she is 'absolutely delighted' at the news and said: "I'm looking forward to welcoming customers into the pub, old and new.

"I'm waiting for the full policy to come out and so I can look at the full conditions but we have a massive garden with loads of space and our menu is going to be available for takeaway as well."

The Vestry in South Street also announced it would be reopening and in an excited Facebook post, a spokesman said: "We are so happy to finally announce that The Vestry can re-open it’s doors and begin trading from July 4.

"It’s been a long three month closure but we are excited to welcome you all back in with a delicious, cold pint and a burger courtesy of our brand new partnership with The Pass."