The Tintaldra Hotel's liquor licence has not yet arrived, with new owners Darren Jones and Mark Sewell hoping the paperwork will be finalised in the New Year.

"The food's going well, but we're the pub with no beer," Mr Jones said with a laugh.

"A bar full of people drinking lemon squash, it's quite funny, but everyone's been really good."

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The pair had hoped to open the hotel, previously shut for about a year, in early December, but this had to be delayed when the required administration took longer than expected.

"I think it's just the normal process, it's just taking a bit longer, at the wrong time of year," Mr Jones said.

Evening takeaway pizzas began just before Christmas and the restaurant opened on Boxing Day.

Mr Jones said more than 30 lunches were served on Saturday, with both residents and tourists visiting the pub.

Some of the first week patrons arrived not knowing there was no alcohol.

"They think you're pulling their leg to start with, but really understanding, obviously it's out of our control," the co-owner said.