A POPULAR pub is hoping a new outdoor comedy night can raise a smile in Northwich and attract more customers.

The Salt Barge, in Marston, is no stranger to awards and positive feedback – but landlord Sarah Jayne Hiorns says business has been slow since reopening from lockdown.

In a bid to bring more people to the pub in a socially-distanced manner, the Salt Barge is teaming up with Nodding Dog Comedy to launch a new outdoor event.

“They were looking for venues to host comedy events outdoors and we have got a big outside space,” Sarah-Jayne told the Guardian.

“So it’s a collaboration to make people laugh and also give the economy a bit of a boost.

“We hope that people who have not been back will come and see that we are Covid-safe – we are doing everything we can – and we are hoping it will also bring some new people to the pub too.”

Headlining the bill for the first event will be Mike Newall, who starred on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

He will appear alongside award-winning comedian Anna Thomas, the critically-acclaimed Dom Woodward and popular host Kevin Dewsbury.

Sarah-Jayne hopes the event will bring back a touch of the magic that has been lost from pubs in recent months.

She added: “We have lost the essence of the pub – there’s no music, you can’t stand at the bar.

“We were a really busy after-work pub – people coming in after tea, seeing their mates, having a drink and catching up.

“There is none of that now. Everyone is separated and the essence of the pub has gone.”

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Comedy at the Salt Barge will take place from 8pm on Saturday, September 26, with doors opening at 7pm.

Entry costs £8 and tickets are available by calling the pub on 01606 212525 or by visiting jokepit.com