A LEDBURY pub is helping bring back the good times as the country emerges from lockdown.

Heather Owen and Chris Howell, who manage the Oak Inn at Staplow, decided to set up an outdoor cinema club after watching The Greatest Showman outdoors last summer.

Since then they have sourced a projector, screen and surround sound system and used the coronavirus lockdown to perfect the set-up.

Since re-opening in July, they have screened both Mama Mia films and Bohemian Rhapsody to a third sell out audience in their beer garden.

Mr Howell said: “The concept definitely has been a huge success, with everyone arriving through the garden gate at 8.30pm and taken straight to their own bubble/table with strict safe distancing and they offer table service throughout the evening.

“The atmosphere has been very special with mood lighting and candles on every table creating a unique experience. Food is served before the film and popcorn during the screening.”

The Oak Inn Staplow will show movies every two weeks (to allow for bad weather) and the next show ‘Top Gun’ (original) on Saturday, August 15 is already sold out.

The Greatest Showman will be showing on August 29 and 30 with Marigold Hotel on September 12 and Eddie the Eagle on September 26.

Then the plan is to move the experience indoors into their restaurant probably on Wednesday evenings for a mini supper and movie nights.

Tickets have nearly sold out for Top Gun and all of the other films have strong sales; to reserve your table either join the Facebook group or ring them on 01531 640954.

The pub had decided it will even offer private movie parties as it seeks to find ways to diversify to respond to the economic conditions created by the pandemic.