Town’s pubs reopen for business
PUBS in Thatcham and Cold Ash have welcomed back customers with sociallydistanced open arms.
The White Hart in High Street reopened its doors to customers for the first time in three months on Saturday, with deputy mayor John Boyd pouring the first post-lockdown pint.
Mr Boyd said: “It is great to see more local businesses opening up.
“You can see how much effort has been put in to make it a safe experience and it’s another sign that Thatcham is getting back to business in a safe way.”
Landlady Sandra Hallett, who has run the White Hart since 2010, said: “It is great to see so many familiar faces returning for a pint.
“We have had to work hard to make sure we can still offer a great experience and I think the balance between being safe and enjoying a drink with friends has been met.”
Business partner Ray Dillon said: “We have used the time to freshen up our beer garden, train our staff on new ways of working and have been busy installing hand sanitiser stations and other protective equipment.
“We have a restocked cellar and are looking forward to the rest of the summer and welcoming customers for Sunday lunches between noon and 4pm.”
Customers visiting the pub should enter through the front door and leave via the rear exit, using the hand sanitisers on entrance and exit.
Landlord of The Spotted Dog, Cold Ash, Kevin Dobson said around 110 people went to the pub for 60 covers when it reopened at 5pm on Saturday, with a further 98 covers on Sunday.
He said he was proud of his staff and that the pub had done “everything possible to make things safe”.
This includes two metres social-distancing inside and out as, he said: “I don’t think one metre is enough personally.
“I want to do everything to make people feel safe and happy to come in.”
Customers queue up on arrival and have their details taken, along with their temperature, for Test and Trace.
There is hand sanitiser at each entrance and waiter service provided at tables, with no standing allowed. Cutlery is disinfected and taken to tables in sandwich bags.
“The customers were absolutely fantastic, they did everything by the book,” Mr Dobson said.
“We have put every measure in here and stuck to it.
“My biggest fear is if we can take enough money to pay the bills and services properly.
“We will see how it goes, that’s all we can do.”