Pubs and eateries fought to stay open until UK ban
CAFES, bars and restaurants across the borough battled to keep their businesses open before the government announced a national closure.
But it is not known what state the UK’s food and drink industry will be in when businesses are allowed to reopen.
Olive and Pickle Deli Cafe, in Littleborough, were one of the cafes who remained open until they were shut.
Before the ban came into force, manager, Samantha Wright, said; “There was a decline in customers. We’d tried to stay open for the time being. There were four of us in when usually there is eight. We had three staff members who are self-isolating. I’m feeling fine at the moment, we were doing everything we can to give our customers 100%.
“We were sanitising the cafe every half an hour and washing our hands every 10 or 15 minutes.
“Personally I think Boris Johnson should have just closed if that what he was going to do so we’d know where we stand. I think he’s kept them open to save the government money.”
Last week the Prime Minister told people to stay away from pubs but did not introduce a ban until Friday night. The Medicine Tap, on The Esplanade, Rochdale, had to let some staff go in order to stay open until the ban was introduced.
Owner Caroline Norton said: “It’s been quite significant.
“It’s about the measures put in place to stay away - its the state we’re in and I understand.
“We saw a drop in trade of around 50 per cent. We put in place measures which included reducing staff hours - we usually served food 10 to 9 at night but it was 11 to 6.
“It’s awful. Our staff have been amazing, so understanding. The people who have been with us from the beginning are our priority. We’re hoping things pick up again, but when they do go back to normal I think it will be a slow return. People will have to get used to going out again.”
Historic pub The Ring O Bells in Middleton wanted to stay open as long as possible.
Landlord Roger Hargreaves said: “I have a lot of stock which will go to waste and some of it is perishable.
“With the advice not to go to pubs, it’s massively difficult for everybody.”