Well-known Athlone pub "excited" about plan to reopen this week

A well-known Athlone pub, which has been closed since March 14, is planning to reopen to the public at 3pm this Friday.

The Snug Bar, at Fry Court, is to reopen in conjunction with the adjoining pizza restaurant, Pavarotti's, which will be supplying the pub's customers with the "substantial meal" required as part of the Covid-19 guidelines.

Gillian Nugent, who runs The Snug with her husband Michael, said they were "very excited" about the imminent reopening.

"We have a great relationship with our customers and we haven't seen anyone since we closed our doors, so it's like meeting up with your friends again when you haven't seen them in months.

"We can't wait to see everyone and we're going to find it hard not to run and hug someone!" she told the Westmeath Independent this afternoon.

Earlier this year, The Snug won the 'pub of the year' award for Leinster at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

Gillian said the pub would have to operate with a lower capacity when it reopens.

"Obviously it is with reduced capacity, but we will work with that," she said.

"We are now equipped to do the social distancing properly, we have all our PPE, and we have a system in place."

Walk-in visits to The Snug are welcome, but due to limited seating the pub is recommending that customers book in advance on 09064 90370.