New Year break and two week closure

Happy 2022 if we haven't already seen you to say it in person (although lots of you were here to see the New Year in with us which was lovely!)

It's already been a bumpy start, with Covid sadly catching up with some of our team and other bugs also playing their part in us having to close the kitchen for a couple of days. It's always the last thing we want to do, especially as we had to let down those who were booked in to eat with us. However, it does look as though there may still be more bumps in the road to come before the winter is out, so please keep an eye on our Facebook page or Google listing for daily updates, or give us a call before you head out to us to check availability.

This leads nicely to the main point of this blog, which is that we are planning (not Boris's doing this time!) a two week closure at the end of January so that we, and our hard-working team, can get a proper break. It is much needed, as whilst we have been closed down for more weeks than we care to mention over the last two years, the whole period has been a tad stressful, so we do need a proper break where we can actually get out and about! There will be long-awaited visits to friends and family we haven't seen for long periods of time and indulgence in some serious down-time.

So, the dates to make a note of in your diary are as follows:

• Last day open before the break - Sunday 16 January with our usual menu (carvery will be back on 6 Feb). We plan to close at 7pm on this day to get packing!

• CLOSED Monday 17 January to Tuesday 1 Feb 2022

• OPEN again from Wednesday 2 Feb

We have chosen this time of year as it is typically our quietest period and therefore we hope it will cause the minimum disruption to you, our lovely customers. Our phones will be answered over this closure, so you can still contact us about bookings and any other queries.

We just have to keep our fingers and toes crossed that we all stay safe and well in order to enjoy the time off to its full. Rest assured we are still testing very regularly and our Hepa filter is working away tirelessly in the pub as an extra precaution, alongside plenty of ventilation (the geeks amongst you can read more about how Hepa filters with UV lights work against Covid here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipment-and-machinery/air-conditioning-and-ventilation/air-cleaning-and-filtration-units.htm ).

Whatever the break brings, one thing is for sure - we will be back with renewed energy and plans to see in spring with a bang! With the Six Nations starting on 5 Feb, the TV will be a permanent fixture back in the bar to show the games. We're also working on a fun day of live music and dancing with a western theme for Easter. And of course, we're starting to pencil in those burger and band days over the summer!

If we don't see you before we close for our break, have a lovely rest of January trying to stick to those new year resolutions (don't worry, we won't tell anyone if you don't!) and we will see you on the other side :-)