Chesterfield micropub landlord eager to reopen in May after business makeover

Dean Wilson first opened Hasland Hops on August 1, 2020 between the first and second national shutdowns but was forced to close the micropub in October after he contracted coronavirus.

He now plans to welcome back customers for the first time this year on May 17, in line with the Government’s plans to ease the country out of lockdown.

The 37-year-old pub owner was unable to join the pubs, bars and restaurants reopening to groups of six outside this week as Hasland Hops has no outdoor seating.

However in the months the pub on Mansfield Road has been shut, a new sound system has been installed, along with new flooring and the front of the business has been painted.

New beers are also on the menu for punters to enjoy when they reopen their doors next month.

"It's had quite a big makeover so it looks a lot better now than when it was previously shut”, Dean said.

"We've had a lot of feedback, I'm trying to keep it active on Facebook we've got over 2,500 likes there so every time I put information on there we get lots of good comments.

"It will feel really good when we can reopen, I can't wait because I've obviously been off all that time.

"I've missed having people in and I've been home schooling two kids for most of this lockdown so I'm looking forward to get back at it.”

The publican shared how good it has been to watch other pubs, bars and restaurants reopen outdoors this week and ‘get some money in’, adding that everyone seems ‘really happy’ to be back and feels reassured by the Covid restrictions in place.

"I'm happy for them, I've been going to a few myself the past few days so it's good to see people back in the pubs", he added.

Dean was given the green light by planning chiefs at Chesterfield Borough Council to open the micropub, after it was formerly a bridal shop in February last year before the pandemic hit.

But due to issues with changing the use of the lease, Dean, who was previously working as a manager in financial sales didn’t qualify for Government grants or furlough while the business was forced to close.

He said: "The first lockdown was really difficult because I had left my job.

"This time it has been better because I got the keys in August, I qualify for the business rates, the grants and stuff.

"It's been easier this time round but obviously we want to get open and get more established.

"I've only ever been open under restrictions so it has been a bit of a different start to what I had hoped but the potential is really big.”

Hasland Hops will be taking walk-ins only from May 17 as opposed to in advance bookings.

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