CUSTOMERS can enjoy a tipple in a tipi on the grounds of a popular North-East pub, which has become the 'UK's first double tipi bar'.

The Runhead, at Ryton, is opening for outdoor food and drinks on Monday, April 12, and has put up a double tipi in its grounds to ensure families stay warm and dry, whatever the weather.

The venue’s owner Malhotra Group plc has also added more seats to its outdoor terrace with a shipping container – which it says makes it the first double tipi and shipping container bar in the UK.

The Runhead trialled the tipi at its annual Runhead festival in 2019 and it proved so popular it will now be a permanent feature at the Holburn Lane venue.

Venue owners say it will also be available for private function hire all year round.

Foodies will also be happy as everything from snacks and sandwiches to burgers, classic main meals, salads and steaks will be on the menu, along with dishes from its popular Grill menu.

Covid regulations permitting, the pub will fully reopen on May 17.

Manager James Watters said: “It’s great that we can see light at the end of the tunnel.

“We’re very lucky to have a large enough garden to accommodate customers in comfort and judging by booking numbers, people are really looking forward to being able to socialise in a pub setting again.

“Our double tipi will also be a fantastic venue for regular community events, from children’s parties to yoga classes – and, of course, our annual Runhead Festival.”

It comes as non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens are gearing up to reopen across England next week.

Care home residents will also be allowed a second regular indoor visitor with infants and children not counted as one of the two – meaning care home residents in England will be allowed to see small bubbles of loved ones for the first time in months.

Most outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks can reopen, although wider social distancing rules will still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Bookings are now being taken for the tipi and containers and can be made at www.therunhead.co.uk.