WETHER SET FAIR
» Punters’ joy as pubs to reopen for spring » Spoons leads the way with gardens & terraces
DRINKERS raised a glass yesterday as pub bosses said thousands of boozers are preparing to welcome them back in time for the spring sunshine.
Industry giant Wetherspoon said it plans to open gardens and even roof terraces in 394 of its 750 pubs in England in five weeks’ time.
And bar chain Revolution said 20 of its 66 venues would start serving on April 12, while Oakman Inns plans to open all of its 28 sites.
It came as Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was more optimistic than ever of a “great British summer”, with travel and hospitality curbs massively eased thanks to the success of Covid-19 vaccines.
The British Beer and Pub Association has estimated 40% of England’s 37,000 pubs will reopen when outdoor serving is resumed.
Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Brits cannot wait for that first pint of draught beer in their local beer garden but also to reconnect with their community. It will be a moment to savour.”
Wetherspoon said pubs would trade with restricted hours
– 9am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday, and 9am to 10pm Friday and Saturday. Among the firm’s pubs with terraces are the Royal Victoria Pavilion, in Ramsgate, Kent and the Royal Enfield in Redditch, Worcs. Punters will be able to order at tables through the company’s app.
And they will be allowed into venues to get to outside areas and use toilets. The pubs will not be operating a booking system but track and trace will be in place in case of any outbreaks.
“We are looking forward to welcoming customers and staff back,” said chief executive John Hutson.
Meanwhile, Revolution boss Bob Pritchard said jabs and financial support meant “the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter”.
The company hopes to reopen all its bars by May 17, the Government’s proposed date for indoor hospitality to resume under rule of
We are in a better position than most... all our pubs have gardens, tent areas & heaters
DERMOT KING, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF OAKMAN INNS ON PLANS
six or two households. Dermot King, chief exec of Oakman Inns, said he was optimistic all his pubs would be serving.
“We are in a better position than most because all our pubs have gardens,” he said, adding it had invested in tent-like structures and heaters last year. “We can open these spaces profitably.”
Others will make losses with just “15% or 20% of normal revenue” expected, said Kate Nicholls of UKHospitality.
“They will be doing it to start generating trade and as a training exercise.”
Today Labour will demand ministers ensure nightclubs are not left behind after it was revealed just 78 had received funding from a support scheme.
Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens called for access to cash to be made fairer.
She said yesterday: “The Tories neglect the nighttime industries at their peril. There is clear frustration about the barriers to support.”
Before the pandemic, the night-time economy contributed £66billion per year to the UK economy and employed around 1.3 million people, 8% of the total workforce. Labour said that some 60% of town centre income was generated after 6pm, and the recovery was at risk without extra support for the sector. Covid has devastated the industry, with reports that up to 85% of workers are considering leaving.
On a visit to a laboratory in Glasgow, Mr Hancock said he was optimistic the Government’s roadmap for ending lockdown would enable Brits to socialise and travel more widely, but new Covid variants remained a threat.
“I’m confident we will be able to make that progress,” Mr Hancock said.
“I’ve said before that I’m optimistic for a great British summer and I’m now more optimistic about having a great British summer than at any time.”
Travel restrictions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are determined by the devolved administrations.