Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
…BUT SAFETY CONCERNS SEE SOME REMAIN SHUT
One long-established pub which won’t be opening its doors is the Maiden’s Head in Wincheap, where the landlords say they just don’t feel it is safe to do so.
Jeremy and Monica Stirling, pictured, said: “We feel it would be irresponsible, due to the spike in infections* taking place at the moment. “We will open when we feel it will be safe for our staff and customers to enjoy themselves without all the recommended restrictions. “Wewanttoruna pub with the ability to socialise and mingle without the rules and restrictions.
“I don’t want to have to behave like a headmaster ordering children about. “But I am also concerned that many 20 and 30-year-olds don’t give a monkey’s about the regulations, as we have already witnessed.”
The couple’s decision to remain closed has been widely supported on social media by customers.
“We applaud the action you are taking,” wrote Harry Davey.
“You will certainly seemoreofuswhen circumstances allow.” “Well done and good on you,” added Linda Thornton.
Also staying closed on Saturday are four of Shepherd Neame’s five pubs in Canterbury – but only as part of the company’s phased approach to getting back to business.
They are the Parrot, the Miller’s Arms, the Shakespeare and the Ye Old Beverlie, however, the company says it does hope to reopen them between July 15-29. The brewery says that of its other managed sites, The Marine Hotel and The Royal, both in Tankerton, will open on Saturday, as well as The Sun Inn in Faversham. It hopes its other two managed pubs in Faversham – the Albion Taverna and The Limes – will open before July 17. In Herne Bay, the landlady of the Four Fathoms, Jane Mullane, is also planning to delay opening until the following Saturday. * Despite hospital deaths increasing, recent figures do not indicate there has been a spike in infections in the Canterbury district, or Kent as a whole
everyone safe, which has to be the priority.
“But we still want people to be able to enjoy a meal out and the atmosphere not to be killed by the regulations.
“For a lot of restaurants, I think this year will be just about survival and sadly some won’t make it, as we have already seen.”
But not all restaurants will be back to business. The owners of Moroccan eatery Cafe Mauresque, in Butchery Lane, Canterbury, believe the atmosphere of dining out will be ruined by the restrictions.
Posting on their Instagram page, they say: “Cafe Mauresque’s infusion of food, atmosphere and conviviality makes the restaurant unique in the city of Canterbury. “With all sincerity we have assessed (with the help of independent advisors/health England) but recognised that, within the Covid-19 framework, much of that is lost or too compromised.
“Our opening date will thereby await a better time for everyone to enjoy what eating out is all about.”