THE HOGS Back Brewery has this week opened a new summer bar, following a successful trial run.

Based in a converted hop hanger with indoor and outdoor seating, the garden will offer drinkers the chance to enjoy a pint of brewery-fresh local beer along with views of the growing hop bines, as well as promising “robust social distancing and hygiene measures” to ensure customer safety.

A trial run for the bar took place on ‘Super Saturday’ (July 4) for Tongham TEA Club members, with the brewery serving more than 200 guests over the evening.

Speaking following the trial run, Rupert Thompson, the Hogs Back owner and managing director, said: “We were delighted with our trial run on Saturday, with our loyal TEA Club members enjoying their first pint of ‘proper’ draught beer for 14 weeks.

“Operating under the Covid-19 guidelines clearly presents some challenges, but everything went smoothly and we will of course continue to prioritise the safety of our customers, while also creating as sociable an atmosphere as possible.

“We think our summer bar is the ultimate pub garden – where else can you enjoy a pint of beer overlooking the hops that are used in our beers, just yards from the brewhouse where they are brewed?

“Hopefully we have plenty of balmy summer evenings ahead so guests can sit outside and watch the hop bines flourish until harvest in September.”

Table service operates throughout the bar, with guests’ arrival times staggered to maintain social distancing.

The summer bar will be open on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm to 10pm during July, with additional trading days planned for later in the summer.

Guests reserve their table on the Hogs Back website, and pre-pay for a flagon of beer (3.5 pints), which they choose on arrival from the Hogs Back’s flagship TEA (Traditional English Ale), Surrey Nirvana Session IPA, Hogstar lager, Hog IPA, Hazy Hog cider or its newly-launched East Coast IPA.

Food stands will also be in place, offering a changing range of food options over the summer.

The brewery’s website also states that each table is for two to six members of the same household or social bubble.

Rupert also suggested an option for those still choosing to stay at home. He said: “For those who are still feeling cautious about venturing to our bar, or the pub, we’re continuing to offer our beers via our contact-free drive-through service at the brewery or home delivery, including brewery-fresh draught beers, to thousands of addresses in Surrey.”

The services operate within 15 miles of the brewery, operating through a drive-through service, an option to click and collect or home delivery – free for orders over £40.

To book a space at the pub garden, or to place an order for delivery/click and collect, visit www.hogsback.co.uk/brewery-shop/