Staff at South Shields Little Haven Hotel make final preparations as team looks forward to welcoming customers back on May 17

The popular seafront hotel is set to reopen at 11am on Monday, May 17, following the Government’s easing of lockdown restrictions.

The River Drive venue has been closed since September 21 last year after South Tyneside was placed under strict local lockdown restrictions in response to a rise in coronavirus cases.

Bosses at the hotel, which also has a restaurant open to non-guests, said it has been a "difficult year” for everybody, and they are looking forward to welcoming back customers.

Company secretary Paula Taylor, said: “It’s quite difficult to believe we have passed the 12 month anniversary since the initial lockdown. It’s been crazy for absolutely everyone.

"The managing director, Heather Hollingsworth, and myself were talking the other day and we said that if businesses in general can get through the period they have gone through can come out the other side, then they can get through literally anything.

"Central and local Government support has been a major key in helping businesses like ourselves make it to this point.

"It’s been a difficult balancing act, but having said that, it's now onwards and forwards.

"We’re looking forward to Little Haven opening its doors and bustling with energy once more."

The Little Haven has revamped one of its function rooms during the lockdown and says that bookings have been steadily coming in ahead of reopening.

Paula believes the roll out of the coronavirus vaccine has helped to give customers and guests the confidence to return, particularly amongst the older generation.

"I think the vaccine roll out has given people the confidence to book rooms and come out,” she said.

"We go above and beyond to protect our clientele and staff during this difficult time – we absolutely abide by the Covid-19 legislation."

She added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us [throughout] and we are looking forward to Monday when we can welcome everyone back through the doors.”

One for the hotel’s first major events will be its wedding marquee open day on Wednesday, September 29, from 5pm which will give people the opportunity to view the venue.

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