The Games Room, situated on Market Street, is reopening TONIGHT at 7pm after a tumultuous journey through lockdown.

The bar has left their opening as a surprise to hammer home their commitment to not overcrowding their establishment during the pandemic.

"Lives before pounds," Kathy St Quintin, Bar Manager at The Games Room, said.

Kathy and her team have worked tirelessly to get their upstairs establishment to the level of exquisite safety needed right now.

Not only do they have to think about the usual pub procedures, but Kathy also offers 9 pool tables, 2 snooker tables, 2 table tennis tables, air hockey, shuffleboard, darts and board games.

Kathy told Nub News: "All equipment will be thoroughly sanitised after use, board games will be quarantined for 72 hours and there is now a one-way system."

The Games Room, known for its iconic staircase up to the bar, now features a new exit and smoking area.

This will mean no groups will have to break socially distanced guidelines.

The bar will be limiting the number of visitors at 94, a considerable amount less than they usually allow into the premises.

A new phone number has been registered to the pub which will be used for customers to send their details to upon arrival.

Kathy said: "We are taking track and trace seriously. This will allow us to keep a record of every single person that comes into the bar."

The well-known layout of the pub has been moved to promote social distancing too - with the bar-side pool table moving closer to the door.

On top of the safety measures, The Games Room has invested in a new dartboard that will have its first usage later tonight.

Kathy added: "I feel like we have done everything right. I am excited to get my staff back in and deliver something fun and safe. We've missed it."