Inside UK's smallest pub too tiny to open until social distancing is scrapped

Drinkers heading to the world's smallest pub will have to wait a little bit longer - because it is just too tiny.

The Signal Box Inn once managed to squeeze in 35 thirsty rugby players.

But at just 2.4 metres by 2.4 metres the former Victorian signal box can't seat customers inside until Boris Johnson ditches the one metre plus rule.

Before lockdown the bar in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, could "comfortably" accommodate up to six people.

Yet despite the latest easing - capacity is restricted to what is possible within current social distancing and table service rules.

Although current regulations allow six people or two households to drink inside -punters still need to order, eat and drink while seated.

At just 2.4 metres by 2.4 metres the former Victorian signal box can't seat customers inside (©Stephen Daniels)

And the cosy dimensions of the Signal Box Inn make that impossible.

With one person serving behind the bar even a single drinker breaks the one metre plus rule.

The ‘one-metre plus’ rule is set to be ditched next month, despite fears over the Indian coronavirus variant.

Despite fears the June 21 'freedom day' date could be delayed if the spread of the strain isn’t kept under control, the prime minister has told Conservative MPs he is ‘confident’ about abolishing the measures next month.

The ‘one-metre plus’ rule is set to be ditched next month, despite fears over the Indian coronavirus variant. (©Stephen Daniels)

Fortunately the award winning boozer also boasts a popular beer garden which has been packing in the seaside drinkers (©Stephen Daniels)

The Times reports Boris Johnson told the 1922 Committee on Wednesday: He said: ‘We are hopeful we can do that at the end of the road map.’

Signal Box Inn Landlord Alan Cowood, 67, and pub director Pete Bryant, were on hand to demonstrate the dimensions of the pub.

Fortunately the award winning boozer also boasts a popular beer garden which has been packing in the seaside drinkers.

Pete Bryant, 29, said: "Sadly we can't welcome drinkers inside the pub just yet.

The signal box was originally located in Scunthorpe and was even used as a garden shed (©Stephen Daniels)

"I suppose that's the price we pay for being the smallest bar in the world.

"But we are really looking forward to June when hopefully all the restrictions are removed.

"It certainly will be full steam ahead then!"

The signal box was originally located in Scunthorpe and was even used as a garden shed before being restored and moved to the current site - next to the Cleethorpes light railway.

Last Summer the pub did a roaring trade with customers queuing outside the cosy bar.

They have now introduced outside table service to comply with Covid rules.

Pete added: "We are still doing table service in the beer garden which has been extremely popular, especially on sunny days."