Wolverhampton pub punters glad to be back in familiar surroundings

The doors were opened and staff ready to serve as pubs across the region welcomed guests to sit indoors for the first time since November.

The latest round of relaxation of lockdown restrictions has allowed hospitality venues such as pubs to open to indoor trade, with the Old Swan in Netherton and Billy Wright in Wolverhampton among those able to welcome back customers.

Those enjoying a lunchtime pint in the Old Swan were able to sit comfortably and take in the unique layout of the pub, one of the last four home brew pubs in the country.

Roy Adderley was one of those enjoying a pint of Number One ale with his wife Sarah and their dog Juke.

The 61-year-old from Tividale said it was the first time he had been inside a pub since November 3 and said he was delighted to be there.

He said: "I'm really happy to be back in a pub and have missed this a lot as we've all felt so isolated and not able to enjoy life.

"I've never felt particularly unsafe during all this, but it's nice to feel normal again and go out to enjoy myself.

"I'm not going to lie, I've been dreaming about sitting in a pub with a nice cold beer as canned beer and bottles just aren't the same."

Mr Adderley said he and Sarah were looking forward to going to a concert as well, with Sarah agreeing about the need to feel normal again.

The 54-year-old said: "I've worked in pubs before and I've always found them to be great social places, so it's nice to have that again as it's been so long.

"This pub is a lovely, old-fashioned place which we've both been to a few times and they've done everything they can to make us feel secure and safe.

"I think we're on the right path and I hope things keep going in the right direction as I really want to see live music again and keep going to pubs."

The pub was full of family and friends enjoying a pint, with Rob Willetts and his wife Del making the trip to their local.

The 47-year-old Rob said it was nice to have some normality again.

He said: "I think the fact this place is open again, and a lot of pubs have been opened again is really positive news and a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

"I think we're heading towards the end of this thing and there's a lot of confidence coming back, so it all feels good at the moment."

The reopening of the pub had brought back regulars, as well as people who were infrequent visitors.

Friends Christopher Nott and John Guest from Dudley were enjoying a pint and a ham, cheese and onion cob after deciding to make the trip over.

Mr Nott said the Old Swan was one of the few pubs he would go into and said it was an invaluable place for people to socialise.

He said: "I've been lucky during the pandemic that I've had my music and I've been able to keep busy, but a lot of people have been really isolated during this.

"It's incredible to be able to see people and network with people again and John and I are pleased to find a place we can go to meet.

"We've both a bit excited to be fair and I'm thinking that we're on the right path, as long as we learn from what has happened and not take things for granted."

Mr Guest said: "I think it's great to be back in the pub, particularly a nice one like this.

"The last year has been terrible for me as we haven't been able to go out and if you do, you end up sitting outside, which I just can't do.

"I hope things are getting better because I want to go on holiday again, so this is a good start."

The Billy Wright was enjoying a day of roaring trade, with manager Hayley McMullan saying the pub had been busy since it opened its doors.

There were balloons up around the pub, including a doorway display, and staff were kept busy with table service.

For those people visiting the city centre pub, it was a chance to get out of the house, see old friends and enjoy a cold pint in a pub.

One customer, who didn't want to be named, said: "I've been sat at home for most of the year and I've barely gone out, so to be here today is great for me.

"I've been coming here for years and I have missed it, so the welcome today by all the bar staff was wonderful."

Another customer, who asked not to be named, said: "I've got to see my mates today and have a beer with them, which I haven't done since November.

"We're all being careful and not trying to break any rules, but it's just nice to be here socialising.

"I think we're going the right way, so I hope this is the first of many more here."