Doncaster bar ready to open two weeks after car crashed through its shop window

But tomorrow, the venue, the Doncaster Brewery and Tap, will be back serving indoors after the couple pulled out all the stops to make sure they could still re-open under the easing of lockdown measures which starts today.

The couple were shocked when police rang to tell them the vehicle had driven through the front of the building on Young Street, in the early hours of May 3.

They had spent 13 months renovating the bar, before the damage was done.

But after two weeks of hard work they are ready to go tomorrow, with an artist having created a new frontage for the shop in quick time.

Local artist WeAreBlokHeds has created a mural on the boards currently across the window confirming that the pub is open.

Ian and Alison Blaylock run Doncaster Brewery, which was forced to close due to lockdown in March 2020. They reopened in April this year at the rear of the property and their regular customers have not been deterred by the awful weather.

Ian said: "We are looking forward to opening up inside as well as outside from Tuesday.

"Although the window is boarded up we have managed to smarten up the window area with some seating. We are Blokheds has produced a fantastic piece of art, which we think is totally amazing, to brighten up the frontage alluding to some of our regular customers. It's only onwards and upwards from here"

The car crashed through the frontage in the early hours of the Sunday morning, and the first Ian Blaylock, who runs the venue with wife Alison, knew of the incident was when they received a call from the police, who are investigating the crash.

At the time of the collision, Mr Blaylock said it was lucky that they were not trading under normal circumstances this weekend, or he and Alison would have still been there clearing up after closing time.

"As it is, it’s just bricks and mortar – it could have been a lot more serious,” he said.

The Doncaster Tap opened up several years ago as an outlet for sales of beer brewed by Mr Blaylock’s own Doncaster Brewery, but also serves other drinks too.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.