Care home residents celebrate pubs reopening with pints at a pop-up pub

Residents at a care home in Surrey were drinking pints at a pop-up pub on the same day as pubs officially reopened across England.

Residents at Kings Lodge Care Centre in Byfleet joined in the celebrations with a mobile beer van, pool table and a singer giving them the authentic pub experience. A stilt walker added to the party atmosphere, walking through the garden talking to residents and staff.

87-year-old Colin Primrose, said: “I had a great afternoon playing pool with a pint! It’s been so long since I last had a beer, and it was lovely. It felt like a return to my younger days and a good way to celebrate lockdown restrictions being relaxed.”

Shaleeza Hasham, head of hospitality and communications at CHD Living, said: "This easing of lockdown restrictions is monumental and provides some much-needed hope to both the hospitality and care sectors, which have faced restrictions for over a year now.

“We wanted to involve our residents in the celebrations taking place across the country but unable to get down to the beer gardens themselves, we thought we would bring the beer garden to them instead! It was lovely to see everyone outside socialising and enjoying a pint together as we take this positive step forward in life returning to normal."

The celebrations at Kings Lodge coincided with the easing of care home visitor restrictions nationwide, with residents now able to welcome two face-to-face visitors indoors. Residents and visitors - who must be tested and wear PPE - will also be able to hold hands, and babies and young children will be permitted, too, meaning some residents could meet grandchildren for the first time.

CHD Living has 13 care homes across Surrey and South London

click here for more details or to contact Kings Lodge Care Centre