Pubs and cafes get back in business as lockdown relaxes
Pubs, restaurants and cafes are among those eagerly preparing to reopen this weekend after more than three months of lockdown.
But, even with the go-ahead, some are still holding off, fearing it won’t be viable to welcome people back yet. On Tuesday, June 23, the prime minister revealed the latest round of lockdown easing would include certain hospitality and leisure businesses being allowed to welcome customers back from Saturday, July 4.
Regulations to keep outlets ‘Covid-secure’ have been published by the Government, and the two metre rule will be reduced to just one metre, as “this rule effectively makes life impossible for large parts of the economy”, according to Boris Johnson.
Among those rejoicing at the news is Alessandro Biscardi, owner of Vesuvius in Maidstone’s Lower Stone Street. The 36-year-old spent last week meticulously reading through the official guidance and planning how he will reopen his business.
He wants to avoid putting perspex screens between tables or staff wearing masks, to keep things as normal as possible.
Instead, around a third of tables will be removed, leaving almost two metres between each one.
He said: “The atmosphere is a big part of what we offer here but we will be asking customers how they feel about our decisions.”
Only full-time staff will return at first and hand sanitiser will be available at several stations.
Mr Biscardi added: “We’ll be cleaning constantly between sittings and doing all we can to make everyone feel as safe as possible.”
Frederic Bistro in Market Buildings will also be reopening on Saturday, with the first two weekends already fully-booked.
Owner, Ulric Allsebrook, has reduced the capacity of his restaurant by around 40%, and is supplying PPE to staff who want it and will put screens up around till points. The 43-year-old said: “It’s great we can reopen and we will be speaking to customers to make sure they feel comfortable when they come in.” He added: “You have been locked inside for too long and need to get out and come and enjoy some food.”
At the Potting Shed in Langley, there is more outdoor seating with a new marquee covering tables on the grass, screens at the bars and signs reminding customers to stay safe and wash their hands. Online bookings of up to six people - the government limit - are encouraged, but the taverns will still accept walk-ins if there’s room.
Punters are not allowed to stand at the bar for now, so drinks should be enjoyed at a table, and details will need to be submitted for potential use in the government’s track and trace system.
Serving hours at the pubs have been extended, with no break in between lunch and dinner service, and takeaway options, which were launched during lockdown, will also continue to be available. Sian Timmermans, marketing manager for Elite Pubs, which runs eight establishments in Kent, including the Potting Shed, said they have asked staff to wear visors instead of masks because: “We don’t want it to be too clinical - we still want people to enjoy themselves.”
The Elite pubs restaurants have seen a 60% capacity reduction on average, but many benefit from having large outdoor seating areas. However, the Herbalist in Maidstone’s town centre won’t be opening yet as it doesn’t have a garden.
When asked whether she is apprehensive about people getting drunk and not abiding by social distancing rules, Ms Timmermans said: “We aren’t too worried as our pubs aren’t really drinking pubs - people normally have to travel by car