Cheers! The Bless gets ready for garden reopening
LANDLORD TONY CAN’T WAIT TO GET GOING I sympathise with premises that haven’t got outdoor facilities and can’t reopen yet.
A LANDMARK pub in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter has announced its reopening date as Covid-19 restrictions for pubs ease from next month.
The Bless has two beer gardens which will open from Monday, April 12 – when the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown sets out permission for pubs to offer outdoor hospitality.
Landlord Tony Williams says he’s looking forward to welcoming his customers back to the Chapel Street venue.
Mr Williams, who is Derby’s longest-serving landlord with more than 35 years at the pub, said: “Myself and all the staff are all itching to get back to some sort of trading – and to see old friends returning to the premises.
“Obviously I’d rather it was the full reopening – but April 12 as a partial reopening is better than nothing.
“During the last lockdown we refurbished the kitchen area and installed a pizza oven, which will be in operation at the Bless from when we are free to trade again.
The pizza menu will be available as a takeaway option as well.
“I’m very much looking forward to welcoming back our customers and can’t wait to be back open.”
Mr Williams is also the landlord of The Bishop Blaise, in Friar Gate, and has confirmed the outdoor area there will also reopen from
April 12.
He added: “When we reopen in April, having the advantage of some cover on the outdoor areas at the Blaise and Bless will mean that customers can still come even if the weather is poor. “It is an advantage we’ve got but I sympathise with the licensed premises that haven’t got that facility and therefore aren’t going to be able to reopen.”