Peterborough country pub that is back in business tomorrow

The Fitzwilliam Arms at Marholm opens on April 30

It has been a long time coming - the closure since December 19 has been longer than first lockdown - but the team have used it well, revamping the garden ready for the first alfresco diners.

“We have done a lot of work but we think it will be worth it,” said Graham Gregory. “The furniture has been be repainted and repositioned to spread out tables in line with covid recommendations.

“We have changed the layout of the garden and been busy planting to make sure there will be plenty of colour from May to September.”

A new outdoor service desk has also been built - so customers won’t have to go indoors to pay.

“We are looking at seating about 90 in the garden but if we get full we can bring tables outside onto the patio which we have kept pretty clear.

“The plan is to keep everything as it is through out the summer, long after we can have customers back inside, as we would normally expect people to be out in the garden on warmer days anyway.

“The benefit after May 17 of course is that if it does start to drizzle people will be able to go inside.”

Drinks will be served from 11am to 8pm, with food from 12pm to 7.30pm daily, until May 17 when normal opening and service hours will resume.

Booking isn’t essential but is recommended.