FOLLOWING a five-month hiatus, patrons and pub-goers will be glad to hear the news that Dalston's Blue Bell will be reopening this Wednesday (August 9). 

The country pub and restaurant, on The Square in Dalston, will be reopening as a family business with new landlords behind the bar: Mike Black, his partner Jane and their son Steven.

The official opening date this week comes after the return of the pub was teased on social media last month. 

"We look forward to welcoming back all the old regulars as well as many new customers," Mr Black said.

"It’ll be the same pub that people loved, just freshened up a bit."

The timing of the reopening couldn't be more perfect, alined with the Dalston Festival and the Dalston Show, a period which started on August 5 and runs until August 12.

The event is expected to draw a crowd, creating a busy first week for the pub.

To name a small selection of what's on offer, punters will have the chance to grab a pint of Fosters, Heineken, or John Smith's as well as many cocktails in jam jars - with hopes for the business to bring back its food offering later in the year. 

"A lot of pubs these days are only open four days a week but we’re going to try and be serving drinks the full seven.

"And by September, we hope to be back serving meals," Mike said. 

Mike and his family, who are local to the area, welcome the challenge ahead. 

News & Star readers were quick to wish the new owners well in their endeavours on social media. 

Sarah Watt said: "It's a lovely little pub with great potential." 

"Glad to see the Blue Bell pub back next month, this inn is a priority for the local village community. Wish them luck," Kenneth Burt said.