Rutland's oldest pub is preparing for a re-opening next Friday.

The Blue Ball at Braunston is busy getting ready, undertaking a raft of tasks to meet the latest government regulations.

The cellar has been deep cleaned and repainted and now it is just waiting for the beer to arrive!

All returning staff have undertaken Covid training, and received national accreditation.

To meet government regulations on social distancing, there will be private dining tables and full table service, with no standing or ordering at the bar.

As reported by Nub news, the pub, which is almost 400 years old, relaunched itself during the pandemic as a take-away.

However, it stopped doing takeaways on June 8 in order to get everything right and ready to reopen in July. Since then it concentrated on deep cleaning

Landlady Pip Way said: "We will commence a "cautious reopening" to the public from Friday 10 July, after a private trial run the evening beforehand to test and tweak our new safety measures, systems, signage, menu and service style.

"We are offering distanced tables and private dining tables, which should be booked in advance. We will stagger arrival times and limit room and venue capacity. Advance booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment given that we will be operating at circa 40% of our pre-closedown capacity.

"Tables need to be made up of people from the same household or support bubble. As there will no longer be any sitting, standing or ordering at the bar, there will be full table service.

"We will take customers temperatures and contact details (to assist NHS track and trace) on arrival, then show them to where they may sit. Menus will be disposable and salt, pepper and sugar will now be in single sachets. Toilets may be used on a one in, one out basis. All children must remain seated and supervised at their table and accompanied to the toilet."

The pub will offer free hand sanitiser available at all touch points and it will have enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures in place. It will also provide customers with outline info on booking and there is clear signage throughout.

Its risk assessments, staff training and Covid secure accreditation certificates will be available to view on request.

Pip says the major challenge has getting the whole premises front and back of house deep cleaned and redecorated and working their way through the government guidance and adapted systems, service style and staff training in a relatively short time.

Updating the pub's information on its website has been another challenge, so Pip advises people check its social media for the latest information or by signing up to the Blue Ball's VIP Mailing List.

Landlord Dominic Way added: "It's been an uncertain time for Hospitality businesses but we're now confident to commence a cautious reopening. We want customers to feel reassured and happy to return, so we are prioritising everyone's safety over filling the full as fast as possible."

"We want to create a secure yet relaxed and friendly environment"

"We're still finalising our new Summer menu. As ever, it will include a range of options and accommodate most dietary requirements including vegan and gluten free options.

"We've had to increase our pricing somewhat but it's still great food and value for money, served in a lovely, relaxed but much safer and slower way, still with a smile."

The pub will still be offering takeaway Sunday roasts for collection (only). To book a table time slot or takeaway collection slot leave a voice or text message or email us.

Initial Opening

Sat 11 July 12-11pm (Tables @ 12-2pm / 5.30-8.30pm)

• ****Come on publicans, tell us about your re-openings.

How did the pandemic affect you? How did you respond? What changes have you had to make to get ready? When are you re-opening? And if you tell us after you have re-opened, how has trade been since you re-opened. How do you believe your industry will fare in the future? Will it return to what it was?

A good story, where you can also promote yourselves, should help generate extra business.