The Angel Inn in Yarwell to stay closed in tier 2

The owners of a pub have decided to keep their business closed despite being able to reopen under tier 2 rules.

The Angel Inn in Yarwell will not reopen today (December 2) because the numerous coronavirus regulations mean it is not viable for the business.

Owners of the pub, Diane and Nick Lander, told customers that the decision was "emotional, with frustration, anger and tears".

Diane, who has had the Angel for 17 years, said: "We set out to run the pub as a traditional community-based pub to have fun, laughter and banter.

"After six years we started serving food because, as things evolved, we needed to take this step."

But Diane admits this side of the business is secondary to the traditional pub side, and having to serve a meal with any drinks they sell would not work for them.

"A lot of people come in on their own; they come to meet with people and for the social side," she said.

"The fact someone has to eat to come in here, I think is insane.

"They are saying the more you hang around and the longer you stay, the higher the risk

"But people would be here for over an hour having food, when they could be popping in for 20 minutes for a quick drink."

Diane feels the social side of the pub is a lifeline for some people.

"So many elderly people come in for the chats and company - that's been taken away," she said. "I think it's going to have catastrophic effects."

Since pubs reopened in July, a table service rule was introduced to prevent people from gathering at the bar.

Now the tier 2 rules say people can only have a drink with a 'substantial meal' and are not able to sit at a table with anyone from outside their household.

"Lockdown and all the constraints in place really ripped the heart out of what this pub is about," said Diane.

"A lot of businesses these days are turning into restaurants, which is fine but it is not what we wanted to do."

She added: "It's a massive shame the character of traditional village pubs is depleted in the country."

Diane and Nick will continue to assess the situation and will reopen when it is viable for their business.

To keep in contact with customers they continue to hold virtual quiz nights twice a week.