“LOCKDOWN has been very hard - we missed all our customers and the normality of been able to just welcome everybody to the pub.”

Sam Rayner, manager of The Dog and Gun in Wibsey is looking forward to the full re-opening of the pub next week.

“I am really looking forward to letting people back inside. Some days it can be cold outside and of course they’re not allowed in.

“We love doing quiz nights, open mic nights and hosting live bands, so I can’t wait until customers can come and enjoy weekly events again inside the pub.

“During the first lockdown we did a full redecoration of the pub to freshen it up, that included painting, new wallpaper in certain areas and replacing the carpet. We also sanded the bar back and gave the whole bar area a new look.”

The stone-built pub in St Enoch’s Road, which dates back to 1900, is lucky in having a large outdoor, decked seating area at the front and a further area at the back, both of which have been well-used since restrictions were eased in April.

“We have extended our outdoor area by adding more seating to accommodate for more customers, also we have gazebos and heating installed in both the front and rear beer garden,” said Sam. “We had a big rush of bookings. Regulars had been constantly asking when booking was available as they were keen to get back to the pub.”

Sam has worked at the inn for seven years and is part of the family-run business. “When we opened up our booking system, the first opening week filled up with bookings very quickly - it was amazing and so exciting to see.

While the pub has been open for outside drinking, staff have enjoyed serving customers and ensuring that everyone adheres to the guidelines.

“We are lucky to have a great team who keep the pub running smoothly, so everything has been great over the past few weeks. Both staff and customers have always stuck to the rules and people have been patient when we have been busy,” said Sam.

“Regulars have missed the pub very much and especially sitting together enjoying a pint. I think during lockdown people became used to drinking bottles they have bought from supermarkets, so the main compliment we have had is how amazing it is to get served a cold beer straight from the tap, from one of our friendly staff.”

The family business also oversees The Royal at Low Moor and The Manor House at Eccleshill.

The Dog and Gun does not have its own food menu, but has introduced a service that allows customers to order light options such as pizza and chips from The Royal and receive free delivery of dishes to be eaten in the beer garden. Dishes can also be collected if customers prefer.

“It’s been really successful. It helped us a lot, and we received many good reviews from it,” said Sam. “Customers have been said how much they liked it.”

He enjoys his job. “I enjoy everything about it - the staff, the customers and the atmosphere. Socialising is very important to people’s wellbeing - we have struggled to do much of it because of lockdown, so re-opening the pub and seeing happy faces has been very rewarding.”

He advises booking in advance as the pub can become very busy. “However if people just turn up we do our very best to accommodate them - we don’t turn people away.”

*Visit thedogandgun.co.uk; Tel: 01274 677727