Pictures show aftermath after Chesterfield beer garden damaged by strong winds

With Chesterfield buffeted by heavy rain and strong winds on May Day, Bank Holiday Monday, May 3, The Red Lion, at Whittington Moor, saw its gazebos, which offered some shelter from the elements to outdoor drinkers, blown over and destroyed.

Lisa Hancock landlady of the pub on Sheffield Road, said: “They’re slightly ruined, yes.

“I was pretty shocked when I saw them.”

Posting pictures of the ruined gazebos on its Facebook page, the pub said: “We thought we were doing too well.

“The lovely, ever-dependable British Bank Holiday weather has unfortunately caused us a little havoc.

“Fear not, we have some more, but were not putting them up until the wind dies down a bit.

"However, as for now, we have no shelter at all in the beer garden.”

While indoor service remains closed due to coronavirus restrictions, rules around outside hospitality were eased last month, allowing pubs to reopen beer gardens, with many endeavouring to offer some shelter from the unpredictable April and May weather, such as gazebos and pergolas.

Miss Hancock, aged 40, said: “Trade has varied since reopening. It’s very weather dependent – especially now my gazebos have gone.”

However, Miss Hancock said she was looking forward to Monday, May 17, when rules around indoor hospitality are due to be eased by the Government, allowing pubs to fully reopen.

"It’s a week-and-a-half, not that I’m counting or anything.”

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