A TAUNTON pub that closed suddenly last summer is "slowly re-opening".

The Master Thatcher, in Severn Drive, is offering customers a 'Chew Chew Bbq Drive-Thru' three nights a week.

People can drop by and pick up a barbeque-cooked takeaway on Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 4pm and 8pm.

The food must be consumed off site.

After the first barbeque on Friday (May 15), Joe Marsden from the Master Thatcher said: "Thank you so much to our customers on day one.

"We enjoyed meeting the community and were glad you all enjoyed the food so much."

Mr Marsden told the County Gazette: "I am working with the new team at the Master Thatcher as we slowly re-open the pub and start to serve the community again.

"We are offering our Chew Chew Bbq Drive-Thru in line with social distancing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 4-8pm."

The Master Thatcher closed last August following "financial difficulties".

At the time, a spokesman said: "It’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce that we are now permanently closed.

"We would like to thank all of our customers for their custom and support.

"This is due to being charged extortionate prices by the brewery that we are tied to.

"Other nearby pubs who are free from tie are able to sell all drinks for less.

"Drinks prices for tied tenants are eroding profit margins.

"High overheads have also been a constant battle, rent, rates, electric, gas and expensive insurance (due to being a huge building with a thatched roof).

"We would thank every member of staff for their dedication and support and wish them all success in their future careers.

"A big thank you to David Rowe our manager for the last 20 months who has worked tirelessly to turn the business around."