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The Swan pub determined to become community hub for Monks Eleigh once again after outlining re-opening plans




Villagers are looking forward for a long overdue pint when a popular pub reopens in May.

Managers of The Swan, one of the only amenities in Monks Eleigh, have confirmed it will welcome back the public when it reopens its doors from Wednesday, May 19.

The pub has not traded in this third lockdown period, as the takeaway option was not sustainable, and there is not the outdoor space available to join other pubs in opening in April.

Julie and Stephen Penney are celebrating a year since they took over The Swan pub in Monks Eleight, and have just won a CAMRA award for their beer.....PICTURE: Mecha Morton ... (45203405)
Julie and Stephen Penney are celebrating a year since they took over The Swan pub in Monks Eleight, and have just won a CAMRA award for their beer.....PICTURE: Mecha Morton ... (45203405)

Julie Penney, who runs the pub with husband Stephen, said: “We are hoping it will be business as normal.

“There will still be restrictions such as distancing and table service. We can’t just open the doors and tell everyone to come in. We are a big pub so social distancing will not be too much of a problem for us.”

The Swan has been opening when restrictions have allowed over the past year. With the advent of the first lockdown, the pub offered a takeaway but this will not be returning.

Mrs Penney said: “It is a rural setting and we did not have the footfall to make it possible. We would be losing money and it comes down to how much money we could afford to lose.We have kept costs down.”

She added: “We are looking forward to reopening. This village is a small community, we have a shop
in our car park and we can see everyone going around the back, but we are going to have to wait for normality to somewhat return to open the pub.

“People have been telling us they cannot wait for the pub to reopen. It is seen as the light at the end of the tunnel.

“We are taking steps to get normality back. It is important as we are seen by some as a hub in the community. It is where people meet up and swap services and gossip.

“We have had a tough year but we have been encouraged by the support of people and their appreciation.”

One villager, who did not wish to be named, added: “We can’t wait – it has been a long hard struggle for them and the pub trade generally.

“They have only been running the pub for a couple of years but have turned it into a terrific local. It is only a few weeks to go – and people will be flocking back.

“We can’t wait to meet up with old friends again – it’s been a strange isolated year for some in the village not being able to socialise.

“So the Swan will once again play a vital role in bringing Monks Eleigh together.”

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