A NEW pub football team will be hoping to drum up support when they kick-off after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Drum Inn, in Earls Colne, is a family-run pub described as the "village hub".

During the lockdown, staff have organised a new team to play Sunday League football.

It is one of many uplifting changes to have been introduced at the popular venue, in High Street.

And landlady Debra Day Massey says she is delighted to be up and running again, after being forced to close during coronavirus.

"We've repainted and revamped the bar area," she said.

"Due to Covid-19, social distancing is our top priority and making sure the pub is clean 24/7.

"There are lots of signs up.

Gazette:

"We're excited to be open again and our family-run pub is like the village hub.

"On Fridays, we normally have live bands or a DJ.

"On that night we have 'happy hour' prices - £3 a pint and £3 for a house double - from 5pm to 7pm.

"Then we have our Thirsty Thursday nights, when pints are £3 from 8pm. We also have free pool and a jukebox.

"Tuesday night is crib night and on Wednesdays it's pool night. We love our sport at The Drum.

"All sports are shown on television and, while we've been shut, we've organised a football team.

"It's been a very long time since there's been a pub team in Earls Colne."

Gazette:

Mrs Massey, 49, has been in and out of the trade pub for about 24 years.

She started working as a barmaid before leasing The Drum.

Husband Karl then bought the pub and the couple leased it out for eight years, up to January 2019.

They then took it back, refurnished it and reopened for business.

"It’s a family-run pub," said Mrs Massey, who added that her pub starting offering pizzas and milkshakes from Monday.

"In addition to myself and Karl, my son Jack works here and so does his girlfriend, Paisley.

"We have a few other brilliant members of staff - Kerry, Emma and Charlotte - and my daughter, Leanne, started working at the pub on Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to showing her the ropes.

"We're proud of the fact we haven't had to put our prices up since opening last year and, in addition to the actual bar, we have four double rooms above the pub.

"They're alway full, due to guys working away and holidaymakers at weekends."

Gazette: