CUSTOMERS are being welcomed back through the doors of a popular village pub and hotel for the first time in more than six months.

The Goblin Ha’ in Gifford closed its doors in October.

Last month, the Courier reported that a notice from Nick and Anne Heckford, of The Gifford Goblin Ltd, highlighted their plans to reopen the doors.

Yesterday (Thursday), a post on social media highlighted they were opening “on a phased schedule” ahead of a full opening of the hotel next month.

It reads: “We want to be a community hub and intend listening to you to make sure we have the best operation to satisfy your needs.

“With the hotel having been closed for a considerable time we have now completed the lounge bar refurbishment and will be opening the bar for a limited period as from Friday, May 10, at 5pm.

“While our new team members are trained and become accustomed to the latest technology, we would ask for your patience and understanding so that we are able to provide you in the long term with the local facilities you wish for in this beautiful village and our listed building.”

It is planned that the bar will be open the next two weeks from 5pm to 11pm through the week and from 11am to 11pm on weekends.

The social media post goes on to highlight that it is hoped a café, called Hugo’s Hall’s Café, will be open within the next fortnight.

Beyond that, the Brasserie and Conservatory are hoped to open in about a month following a kitchen refurbishment.