A community pub in North Staffordshire has reopened following a £120,000 investment by pub group Admiral Taverns.
The Canal Tavern, in Kidsgrove, has been transformed following a major refurbishment programme to redecorate the pub and fit new seating and new signs.
The investment comes on the back of a tumultuous few years for the Hardingswood Road pub which has faced three national lockdowns.
In 2019, the pub was forced to shut for six weeks after extensive flooding - caused by an overflowing culvert nearby - left it underwater.
Licensees Beverley and Ed Franklin have been at the helm of The Canal Tavern since 2009.
Beverley said: "It's been amazing to see the reception from the local community on the new look. They are always very supportive, and it has been a joy to welcome everyone back to the pub after a difficult year.
"For us, as the community will know, it has been hard work with all the setbacks with constant flooding leading to the closure of the pub, so we are even more delighted to be reopening.
"We have always seen an opportunity at the Canal Tavern and are extremely grateful for the support from Admiral Taverns throughout the lockdowns, and in helping us take our next step forward transforming this beautiful pub."
Alun Hurt, business development manager for Admiral Taverns, added: "The refurbishment looks fantastic, I would certainly recommend a visit. Beverley and Ed have been an enormous part of the community over the past 12 years, and it's great to see the pub back open.
"After every setback, they always come back stronger, which is credit to their amazing passion for the pub."
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The Canal Tavern's reopening comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday confirmed that the almost all of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted in England on July 19 - dubbed 'Freedom Day.'
He told the nation that social distancing will be scrapped and face coverings will no longer be legally required in two weeks' time.
Nightclubs will also be allowed to reopen and pubs will be able to serve customers at the bar.
