A Kenilworth pub is looking forward to pulling pints once again following the announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

The Government's roadmap to end lockdown restrictions in England not only gave a promising update on the number of vaccinations administered so far, it also gave a guide for the thousands of businesses waiting to be able to trade again.

The new owners of the famous Virgins & Castle on High Street in Kenilworth are now coming to the end of their first year of running the pub, and like many other businesses, they're hoping their second year isn't a repeat of 2020.

Hospitality has been one of the hardest hit industries as a result of Covid-19 and the impact of lockdowns; people working in hospitality have been made redundant at five times the rate of that in previous years.

However, the news that from 12 April non-essential retail should be able to open up again means that pubs, restaurants and cafes across Warwickshire should be able to open their doors if but to just serve outdoors.

General Manager at the Virgins & Castle, Andy Lock explained: "Firstly, we're glad to hear that the latest updates are considering taking a cautious approach to infection rates and the health and wellbeing of everyone. We're really pleased to hear that so many of our guests and vulnerable people in our community have already received the vaccines.  

"The positive out of this is that we have a roadmap and some dates to work with. Up until now we've been second guessing when we might be able to re-open our doors. 

"We thought that back in December that we might be open for Christmas Day and then New Year. We've made things up through January and so now it's great we've got a date to aim for.

"We're looking forward to a sunny spring in our beer garden from 12 April (fingers crossed) and opening up in full from 17 May. We completely understand if these dates get moved back. We would rather wait and be confident that we wouldn't have to close again and that everyone stays as healthy as possible. 

"I'm happy that my daughter can go back to school and play with her friends. It will be great to open the doors of the pub again. To be opening up each day, working with the team, the smell of beer, the smell of food from the kitchen, listen to music and the sound of people chatting and laughing over a drink."

To order takeaway from the Virgins & Castle and find out about any of their takeaway and local delivery offers, visit their website or call the pub on 01926 853 737.