'Thank you Berkhamsted' Martins Pond welcomes back customers after months of lockdown

The pub re-opened for outdoor hospitality as part of the next step in the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown
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Martins Pond joined many pubs across Dacorum in welcoming customers to beer gardens as outdoor hospitality re-opened today (April 12).

Pub gardens, gyms and non-essential shops can now open in England - as part of the next stage of easing lockdown rules.

The pub in Berkhamsted - which was voted as one of the beer gardens that our readers could not wait to visit - spoke to Hemel Today on the day it welcomed back friends and regulars.

Customers return to Martins PondCustomers return to Martins Pond
Customers return to Martins Pond

Jude Hardy and the Martins Pond team said: "After 24 weeks of worry and stress, at last on the 12th April the opportunity to once more open our hospitality for friends and regulars arrived.

"We spent many hours before opening cleaning and organising to be ready to open for today.

"Midday arrived and what amazing support we have had, drinking in the sunshine and huge smiles on faces as we start to get the feeling of the good old times and seeing friends at last!

"We look forward to welcoming all our friends and locals to join with us in celebrating the opportunity to eat and drink together.

Enjoying the beer garden at Martins PondEnjoying the beer garden at Martins Pond
Enjoying the beer garden at Martins Pond

"Our new extended garden arena is ready to welcome everybody in a safe environment. Although we have a way to go to get back those old times I feel confident it will not be as far away as we think.

"I would like to thank our customers for the kind comments and support shown during lockdown checking in that we are okay and for their support in reopening.

"Berkhamsted is a great place with many excellent hospitality venues and I wish my fellow publicans all the best for the future. Thank you Berkhamsted."