Sussex village pub is looking forward to ‘wonderful and busy’ summer

Becky Illes, owner of the Green Man in Partridge Green said the business hopes to reopen in mid-May as coronavirus restrictions begin to lift.

She told the County Times opening in April – when outside dining is hoped to be allowed – would not be ‘financially viable’.

Becky said: “We know what the British weather’s like.

“We are not sure that only being allowed to open up for al fresco dining is completely viable for businesses – we may introduce limited opening times to coincide with our current weekend and takeaway evenings and Sunday lunch and then embrace May 17 fully.”

During lockdown the pub has run a successful takeaway service but Becky said they have missed being open and seeing staff.

But she predicted the industry would see several closures this summer.

Becy said: “Come June we’re going to see a lot of casualties.

“I’m lucky, I own my pub. We’re in a much better position than somebody who has got £85k rent a year.”

But she said this Christmas will be ‘crackers’. She added: “People just want to get out and celebrate that we’re still here.”