Outdoor eating is a success
AL FRESCO SERVICE COULD BECOME A PERMANENT FEATURE, SAYS ONE CAFE OWNER
A BURTON cafe owner says she is considering making her outdoor seating a permanent feature because it has been so popular since reopening on April 12.
Tracey Heap, owner of Summerhouse Bakery in the Market Hall, has created an outside eating area in the Market Place which customers are loving, she said.
She said the weather has been kind to her and she would like to keep the outside area as it has been such a success.
She said: “I am really enjoying being open again and being able to see my customers has been a very good thing.
“I have space for 11 tables, or 40 chairs just in front of the church, and also have access to a gazebo if required. Initially it was just something I did out of no choice, it was the only way I could open, but it’s managed to work out really well.
“Thankfully the weather has been good, and it’s been very surprising to see a good amount of people outside.
“For me, it’s definitely something I will look to continue with moving forward and I can see it working well for me.
“Due to being busy I have stopped my delivery service and will just be focusing on eat-in and collection for now on. I make sure all my customers fill in their details through the Track and Trace app and so far everything is going really well.”
Pubs, restaurants and cafes have been allowed to reopen under the second stage of England’s lockdown roadmap. Customers must order, eat and drink while seated at a table They must follow the rule of six, or be in a group of any size from two households only
Every customer aged 16 and over must check in with NHS Test and Trace, or provide contact details.
Shaid Hussain, owner of Cafe Zen in High Street, said: “The decision to allow outdoor seating gives customers the opportunity to get out of their homes for a bit and enjoy themselves.
“We have been very cautious in making sure people do still follow the restrictions as we don’t want another lockdown.
“Trade has been going well and it is nice to see some old and new customers. I cannot wait for May 17, when we will hopefully be in stage three of the roadmap, and we will be able to open up properly.”