One of Britain’s smallest pubs has made its long-awaited return after the lockdown having secured a permit to serve punters on the pavement.

East Anglian Daily Times: Nutshell regular Ian McCabe enjoying a pint now the pub can serve punters on the street Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNNutshell regular Ian McCabe enjoying a pint now the pub can serve punters on the street Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

The Nutshell pub in Bury St Edmunds is so small that it is not able to welcome customers inside at a safe social distance.

Measuring only 15ft by 7ft, the pub previously held the title as the smallest in the country - though this honour was lost in 2016.

Although pubs were allowed to reopen on July 4, landlords Geoff Page and Jason Mealey needed permission from West Suffolk Council to serve customers safely outside.

That permission has now been granted and The Nutshell welcomed its first drinkers in six months on Friday.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds has now reopened after six months of lockdown Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds has now reopened after six months of lockdown Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

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Mr Page said he was glad to be able to open up his business after such a long wait and wished to thank West Suffolk Council for granting them the licence to serve on the pavement in front of the pub.

He said: “It’s a big relief that we can open now.

“It’s just nice to get back to normal. The team were really keen to get back to work.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds has now reopened with a new space outside Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds has now reopened with a new space outside Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

“It definitely seems like the table service we are doing has been well received.

“It’s just great to be able to see our regular customers again.”

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