A PUB manager says business has been brisk after it reopened for the first time since lockdown restrictions were eased, helped by a government eating out offer.
The Wyke Lion, Whitehall Road, reopened to customers on Monday after its owners, Mitchell & Butlers, delayed it as part of a national phased programme for its pubs.
But Tom Steen, pub manager, says the Wyke Lion is fully booked for meals for this week already as its regulars return.
The pub's reopening also coincides with the start of the month-long government scheme to encourage diners to return after lockdown.
Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which began today, where customers can save 50 per cent on food or non-alcoholic drinks.
The scheme will run every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday up until August 31.
The month-long promotion has seen an increase in footfall at participating sites, which also include cafes and fast food chains.
Mr Steen says this offer has proved popular with punters while the pub, which employs 22 staff, has also introduced strict social distancing policies on-site, including a number of tables not being used.
He said: "Everyone seems happy with us being open again.
"The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has brought people out. It has really brought in a lot of business. It just helps everyone out in the hospitality industry. They are able to have a social experience again after being at home.
"Here it is a controlled environment. We don't allow too many people in.
"If we see someone not meeting our requirements for social distancing, we will have to ask them to leave. Luckily that hasn't happened.
We just want people to come here and enjoy their experience with us
"Luckily we can space out our tables in the pub. We will never get overcrowded and there is plenty of room to move around here.
"We did not want to take any tables out that aren't going to be used due to social distancing, so we have put candles and flowers on them."
Mr Steen added the pub has remained at the heart of its community even throughout the lockdown period when it was shut, adding he often gets stopped by regulars on his way to the nearby shop.
As part of its new safety guidelines, he Wyke Lion has also installed hand sanitising points for its customers at its entrance and at six positions around the pub.
Meanwhile, a Bradford restaurant chain has also welcomed the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Saleem Akhtar, CEO of Jinnah Group, said: "It’s very early days but we’re hopeful the Eat Out to Help Out scheme will give us a much-needed boost.
It’s been a tough few months, but now we’re reopen and taking advantage of this scheme we’ve been bombarded with bookings
"It’ll take time to get back on our feet but we remain optimistic for the future.”
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