Sunderland micro pub closes after customer tests positive for coronavirus

The Lighthouse micro pub, in Sea Road, Fulwell, is undergoing a deep clean and will remain closed until further notice

Owner Sean Turnbull made the announcement on Monday night after a customer who visited the premises last Friday, October 2, tested positive.

Sean wrote: “We have been informed that a customer who visited the Lighthouse on Friday night has since tested positive for Covid 19.

“The pub will undergo a deep clean and remain closed until we can invite you back safely.”

Sean poured his life savings into the venture when it opened just before Christmas last year.

Earlier this year he told how it was just beginning to develop a loyal customer base when it had to close down as part of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown in March.

After reopening in July, Sean, 48, from South Hylton, said: "People were just starting to come in on a regular basis and on certain nights the place used to be chocka.

"Now it is a case of going back to the start and building it all back up again.”

Sean, who yearned to open his own pub after working as a brewery delivery driver for nearly 25 years, used the four-month closure period to make improvements to the former coffee shop.

Sanitisers were installed, a beer garden at the rear of the premises helped maintain the overall capacity at around 25 people and separate men’s and ladies’ toilets were created.

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