Two Harborough district pubs forced to close temporarily after members of staff tested positive for the coronavirus

Two pubs in the Market Harborough area have been forced to close temporarily after members of staff tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Red Lion on Main Street, Great Bowden, has said it will remain shut until at least today (Tuesday).

The Sun Inn in Great Easton has also closed its doors for the moment amid the Covid-19 scare.

The historic Red Lion only re-opened in July following a comprehensive £200,000 refurbishment after it was shut in January 2017.

The pub has told villagers in a post put up on its Facebook page on Saturday September 26: “Further to yesterday’s post, without wishing to cause alarm to our customers we think that we should inform you that a member of staff has tested positive for Covid-19.

“We will be closed until further notice while we assess the situation.”

The same notice was also posted on the Sun Inn’s Facebook page at the same time on the same day.

Both pubs add: “We will be closed until at least Tuesday whilst we await further information.

“One of our members of staff will be in contact if you have a booking over the weekend.”

The Sun Inn is a grade-2 listed building which has also been extensively renovated over the last two years.

Both pubs, which are believed to be under the same management, have been asked for a comment.