Wellingborough's smallest pub re-opens doors to big cheer for the beer

The landlady of Wellingborough's smallest hostelry finally has finally re-opened the door of the pint-sized pub after more than 128 days enforced closure due to Covid-19.

Tracie Clarke-Piggot and partner Alan have been spending lockdown refurbishing the Little Ale House in High Street to make space for customers and to ensure social distancing - a difficult job in a small converted shop unit.

Customers have been booking their drinking slots to ensure getting one of the eight spaces back in the favourite watering hole, which opened yesterday (Wednesday, August 5).

Tracie said: "It's great to be back. It's been incredibly busy with people booking in. To make more space we've moved our ciders down into the cellar and we now do chilled cider on draught.

"We've had a lot of work done to the pub behind the scenes to get ready. We've decorated the pub and refurbished the loo."

The full capacity of the pub has been reduced to eight drinkers from a busy 20 to 25 revellers on a busy night.

Co-owner Alan Piggot said: "I've been worried sick. We got the grant from the council which was great.

"Our problem is the beer is live and it only lasts five to six days before it goes off so we're going to stick to three barrels on at a time. We're going to offer carry-outs too. We want to support our local breweries."

First in the queue at his local was John Taylor. He said: "I am pleased to see it is open to have a good quality beer and good company. I'm a regular and I come here most weeks."

John had a pint of Pot Belly Brewery's Hedonism declaring it 'perfect.'

Long-term customer Bob Carrington from Wellingborough had also booked in the first slot available.

He said: "I haven't chosen to go to any other pub. It's good to be back."

To expand their drinking space the pub has been loaned a space behind the premises that is being transformed into a beer garden.

The area directly outside the pub will also have a small amount of seating for customers.

Mr Piggot added: "When the beer garden is finished we will offer table service. We're going to put in an old mobile phone on the wall so customers can order from the garden for a bit of fun."

The Little Ale House is open Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday midday to 10pm and Sunday midday to 4pm.

To book call 07870 392011.

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