Bank holiday will ‘definitely not be the same’ at pubs
POOR WEATHER THREATENS TO PUT A DAMPENER ON OUTDOOR DRINKING
PUB landlords in Mansfield and Ashfield have said they are expecting a “different vibe” this bank holiday weekend, with outdoor drinking only and social distancing measures in place.
While many tables in some of the area’s pubs, bars and restaurants are fully booked up, colder and wetter weather conditions are threatening to put a dampener on many peoples’ plans.
Mandy Bainbridge runs Speed The Plough on Mansfield Road, Sutton-inashfield, and says she fears poor weather could risk the success of the first bank holiday for eight months.
“It’s definitely not going to be the same,” she said. “Normally we do charity raffles and buffets but with it being outside it’s going to be difficult.
“I was planning to do a tombola stall outside but with the weather it’s hard, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be nice weather.
“We don’t know what it’s going to be like, we’ve been lucky that we’ve had the weather over the past two weeks.
“It’s going to be massively different at the second May bank holiday because everything is open inside again.
“Obviously everything will still be socially distanced, but we can still do everything we want to do.
“I think the trade won’t be as good this weekend as it will be at the end of next month because even if the weather is bad everyone can move inside.
“If it’s nice and sunny this weekend then trade will be okay, but you can’t expect any better than what you can get when everything is outside.”
Another bar owner in the area is Jono Edwards, who runs numerous venues across the two districts including Andwhynot and The Red in Mansfield.
Mr Edwards shares similar hopes for the second May bank holiday on May 30, and believes this Sunday will be a completely different situation.
“Obviously with the restrictions in place we can’t do our usual diary of events for bank holiday, so we’re making the best of a bad situation,” he said.
“Tables are fully booked for the bank holiday already and we’re overwhelmed with how people are still wanting to come out and take advantage of what we actually can offer.
“But we’re just not in a position yet to offer our full events that we normally would. On a normal bank holiday people are stood up drinking, dancing, inside and outside Andwhynot, we have live artists on the Monday.
“They would normally be full of DJS, live entertainment and music, but due to Covid that’s all stopped.
“So this bank holiday does look different, but we’re still looking forward to having a vibe, the people coming out have been absolutely lovely and respectful, genuinely grateful that we’re open.
“Although it’s going to be a different vibe, it’s still going to be a good vibe.”
When the second May bank holiday weekend arrives, the ‘Rule of Six’ will be permitted indoors and groups of up to 30 can gather outside, if the Government goes ahead with the next stage of easing lockdown restrictions on May 17.