One of Derry's most famous bars has told how the venue is faring after reopening following the pandemic.
Peadar O'Donnell's was one of the first places to close its doors when lockdown hit.
But local barman Ben Smyth has praised the support of the people of the city and is looking forward to the city's nightlife thriving once more.
He told MyDerry: "It was difficult to be the first ones to close, especially for the managers and the owners. But they supported their workers, since the first week they said they would continue to pay us even before the furlough scheme.
"They sorted us out the first week and it was great to see that support coming in for us.”
The bar reopened on May 24 and it wasn't long before loyal customers in Derry flocked back for a pint.
Ben said: “The people of Derry responded well because we were the first bar to close and the rest soon followed, people noticed that and when we opened again they came back to us.
"You could see on our Facebook page people were saying they could not wait to get back in for a pint and for a Peadar’s Guinness.
"They definitely did rally around us.”
However, life isn't totally back to normal for the bar with strict Covid safety measures in place. To prepare for re-opening, benches were put outside to give customers the choice of sitting indoors or outdoors.
Ben said: “We have the tables outside now which gives us that extra space. We did not know if we would be able to serve inside or outside. We got new tables in, so we were well prepared. It’s great being able to see it a bit busier again.”
For staff and customers, the only thing missing now is live music. Known for its brilliant sessions, Ben said things will only really feel back to normal when the sound of music is heard through its doors.
He said: "The sooner we can have it back the better. The bar is normally busy with music, we had live music on every night. It will feel like it is back to normal with the music coming back.
For more Derry news, visit our new site MyDerry.
"Once live music comes back it will be good news for Peadar’s because you miss it. You miss that bit of atmosphere and it’s not the same without it.”
But for now, there's a simple message to everyone who has supported the bar: “I would like to say thanks to the people of Derry for coming back to the bar.
"We were lost without you all, so it is good to see you all back in again.”
