Inn in Skegness to reopen outdoors with party pods that look like space ships

Covid-19 restrictions mean pubs can only open if they have outside space - and the new management at the inn have really gone to town to tempt punters off their settees and out socialising again.

Lit up at night the igloos - or party pods - almost look like something from the set of a space film. But inside groups can keep warm and even snuggle up, enjoy a pint and watch a movie or football game on an inbuilt screen.

There is also an outdoor stage, with entertainers already lined up for the first weekend and if all the igloos are booked, there are plenty of covered tables and benches to protect you from the elements.

The Welcome Inn's new landlord and landlady are Nidge and Lisa Conroy, who are running the business with the help of their two daughters, Tia and Jade.

No newcomers to the hospitality trade, Nidge used to run the Royal Oak pub at Winthorpe, had a lap dance club on the seafront and has the Tipsey Cow on Lumley Road.

They took over the Welcome Inn a week before the second lockdown and had just three months of trade before lockdown.

Since then they have been busy preparing to re-open and make the most of their outside space to accommodate up to 500 people.

The total investment is £100,000 with adapting the outside with its stage, igloos, holding 6-8 people, and other outside tables costing a big chunk of that.

"We've really been looking forward to opening and hope people like what we've done," said Nidge. "We've run businesses abroad before this and are hoping to bring a taste of Spain to Skegness "

The Welcome Inn opens on Monday, April 12, at 11am, with food served from 12noon.

Entertainment planned for the following weekend includes:

Saturday, April 17, 7pm - FUSION (outside)

Sunday, April 18 3pm - Lauren Porter (outside)

(Weather permitting)