Publicans prepare to open again with safety foremost
THE town’s publicans have embarked on a major project to ensure their licensed premises are ready to be safe, welcoming and viable after the green light was given for them to reopen on Saturday.
As the Government starts to announce a further easing of the coronavirus lockdown, which last month saw “nonessential” shops opening, the pubs, cafes and restaurants will be next to dip their toe into a new normal this week.
While many businesses were already using the lockdown to redecorate and remodel their interiors, strict guidelines laid down by the Government have meant most venues have been in a race to prepare their bars, tables, toilets and outdoor spaces to accommodate the tough new measures.
For some pubs, this has meant creating extra spaces that were normally closed off, or rarely used, to accommodate the social distancing rules, which allow for one-metre distancing with risk mitigation.
Ashbourne’s newest bar and bistro, The Bank, managed to set up just in time for Shrovetide this year in the former Royal Bank of Scotland building in Dig Street, and it was open for just a few weeks before being ordered to close again in March.
Business partners Ben Sellers and Rob Barker had thought their big investments were out of the way, but they have used the lockdown to make further substantial changes to the venue, which serves cocktails in a relaxed “city bar” environment.
Ben, who also works at JCB full-time, said: “It’s had a drastic effect on us. Luckily we did get Shrovetide in, which massively helped, and the locals have supported us massively, but we went from having a good income to having nothing.
“But me and Rob have invested again to keep it going. We can see it bouncing back in the long-term but I think the tough period will be the final quarter of this year.
“As long as we can get our staff paid, keep our costs covered all the way until next year, hopefully coronavirus will be gone by then, and we can start to get back to normal.”
Ben is expecting to have around a 50% decrease in turnover, which is mainly because of the restricted numbers of people they will be allowing through the door.
At busy times the bar area would normally have been five or six people deep, but now a doorman will be asking people to wait until space is available at the specially positioned and screened tables.
Along with hand sanitisers at each doorway, and a rigorous cleaning schedule, Ben and Rob have also opened up an extra room, with individual booths that can be booked for small groups.
Another small bar that will be operating an innovative booking system is the Artisan Cafebar in St John Street. During the lockdown the building has been used as a collection point for essential items, and owner Paul Duke has been busy redecorating the interior and remodelling some of the seating to allow for social distancing measures.
Artisan was one of several pubs in the town running a takeaway beer service during the lockdown, and this will continue from Saturday for those who do not feel safe entering pubs.
But, to ensure those who do want to go to the pub again can have an opportunity, Mr Duke will be taking bookings for tables.
He said: “To ensure the safety of our staff and customers things will need to be a little different. Whilst ensuring cleanliness and safety, the first major change is that you can now book a table in advance as it may not always be possible to walk in and get a table with social distancing and limited capacity.
“This is to ensure we are socially responsible, both for customers and staff, and when full we are not disappointing anyone by turning them away.
“As standing is not allowed, all tables will be for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of two hours to allow everyone a chance to come and enjoy a drink and food while feeling safe. “Booking a table is recommended as, with 30% to 50% less capacity, we expect to be busy.”
Artisan’s customers will be asked for a deposit when they book a table, which will become a credit for their bar tab. This, Mr Duke says, should ensure tables are not left empty.
On the Market Place, one of Ashbourne’s biggest pubs, the George and Dragon will be the first to open because the owners are now serving breakfast from 9.30am.
During the lockdown the landmark building has had a big internal makeover, and its beer garden has been refurbished. To meet the new restrictions and protect staff and customers, perspex screens have been placed around the bar and tables have been moved to allow for social distancing.
The George and Dragon will continue to serve food through the days and evenings as normal, but customers will now be given table service to restrict visits to the bar.
Meanwhile at The Bridge, in Dig Street, things are more complicated. A defined reopening date has not yet been announced, because major refurbishment work that got under way in March had to be halted and might not be completed in time for Saturday.
The new owners hope to have everything finished in time to join neighbouring pubs in a reopening, but updates on the situation will be given on The Bridge’s Facebook page.
And if the Bridge cannot open on Saturday, it will not be the only pub in Ashbourne remaining closed on the first weekend. The Smiths Tavern, in St John Street, is aiming to reopen on Monday.
Owner Mark Grist said: “We’re basically nervous of opening at full tilt, and we’d rather have a ‘soft opening,’ let any potential mayhem over what could be a very busy weekend get out of the way and then start on what should be a quieter day.
“I think we’d like to build up to a busy point, rather than just be submerged by people trying to get in within an hour of opening.”
The nervous approach at the Smiths Tavern looks likely to be echoed around town, as most establishments will be operating at a drastically reduced capacity.
Mr Grist says he will only be able to allow around 30% of his usual capacity in, and he will be monitoring numbers at the door, even operating a one out, one in system if it becomes necessary.
Further afield, pubs in villages around Ashbourne are also preparing to open. The Berkeley Inns group, which runs pubs in Mugginton, Dalbury Lees, Long Lane and Hoar Cross, has put in a series of measures including a track and trace system, outdoor areas including “garden rooms” and social distancing systems.
A spokesman for the group said: “We are delighted to announce that from the 4th July we will be welcoming visitors back to our establishments.
“We are working hard behind the scenes and plans are well underway to reopen our doors.
“We cannot wait to see some familiar faces and would like to thank you all for your support over the recent months, particularly at our village stores.
“We hope to see you healthy and happy in months ahead.” all the