Greene King reopens pubs across Leeds after three months of closure

Pubs including the Malt Shovel, the Griffin and the Skyrack opened their doors first the first time on Monday to revellers.

The pubs have been closed since March as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

As part of the reopening, all Greene King managed pubs will follow a new set of Pub Safe promises, designed to protect the welfare of team members as well as ensure that customers can socialise safely.

A spokesperson for Greene King said in a statement: "The Pub Safe scheme centres around hygiene and safety, underpinned with a series of practical measures the company has introduced, while maintaining the atmosphere of the Great British pub."

The Pub Safe scheme includes the following five promises:

1. Safe socialising layout throughout Greene King pubs

2. Looking after our team, so they can look after our customers

3. Minimise contact

4. Hand sanitising and hygiene

5. Pub Safe Monitor

Andy Wilson, managing director of destination food brands at Greene King, said: “After a long period of uncertainty for the industry, we’re delighted that we’re able to start reopening our doors from this week for customers up and down the country. We know how much the local pub means to the British people; they are more than just a building, they are at the very heart of their communities.

“Of course, customers will notice some differences when they return, but it’s important that alongside implementing these changes we maintain the very essence of the great British pub. We know how eager people are to return, and we ask that our customers enjoy their pub experience safely and following the guidance that we’ve put in place, which is there to protect both them and our team.”

The full list of reopen pubs are:

Griffin (Boar Lane, Leeds)

Malt Shovel (Armley)

Bridgewater Arms (Kirkstall Road, Leeds)

Roundhay (Roundhay)

Woodies (Headingley)

Regent (Chapel Allerton)

Lord Darcy (Alwoodley)

Angel Inn (Rothwell)

Skyrack (St Michael’s Road, Leeds)

Dragon (Wortley)

Pendas Arms (Whinmoor)

Gildersome Arms (Morley)

Travellers Rest (Armley)

Station Hotel (Crossgates)

Horsforth (Horsforth)

Lawnswood Arms (Adel)

Pheasant (Birstall)

Heathfield Farm (Birkenshaw)

Devon (Whitkirk)

The remaining Greene King managed pubs will reopen in later phases, in line with Government guidance, on a date yet to be confirmed, Greene King said.

To find out more about Greene King’s Pub Safe promises, visit https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pub-safe/.