‘It’s good to be back’ say hospitality staff
STAFF behind some of the borough’s bars, pubs and restaurants which re-opened their doors from July 4 say they are ‘happy to be back in business,’ with the majority of customers on their best behaviour.
Venues across the borough are reporting strong trade, big numbers of returning customers and an increase in new business, despite operating at reduced capacity due to the remaining coronavirus restrictions, which are designed to keep people safe and stop the spread of the disease.
Al-fresco dining is proving popular, with new tables being placed outside many pubs and eateries, including at the newly created ‘Gracie’s Gardens’ space set up by the council on Packer Street for safe socialising.
However the council is also urging residents to be responsible when out on the town and stick to official guidance to keep everyone in the community safe from Covid-19.
The Hare on the Hill in Littleborough has slightly reduced its seating capacity and added outdoor shelters but has quickly seen trade returning to pre-lockdown levels since re-opening last week.
Server Adam Sweeney said: “It’s all table service now and we’re totally cashless so there have been changes, but we’ve had great feedback from customers.
“As we’re a relatively small venue we didn’t know how it would go, but we’ve had a lot of people telling us we’re the first pub they’ve tried since lockdown and us being small was one of the reasons they visited.
“I think the changes we’ve made suit the place well, a bit of a home from home and our outdoor seating area still looks stylish.”
Over in Rochdale town centre, The Flying Horse Hotel, voted Greater Manchester’s best pub by CAMRA for the last two years running, is enjoying a renaissance along with other popular venues along Packer Street.
The street has been transformed by the council into a pedestrianised continentalstyle outdoor dining area also serving customers at The Empire, Yate’s and Ko Ko’s.
Flying Horse owner Ben Boothman said having the large covered outdoor area made it possible to re-open, and the response so far has been fantastic.
He said: “A lot of regulars returned straight away and they have been reassuring others who were maybe more cautious about the measures we’ve put in place, so it’s been busy.
“Although we were selling takeaway bottles and cans during lockdown there’s nothing like a proper draught pint. Dining numbers have really increased and we’re also seeing new faces too.”
Punters at the Flying Horse can order food and drink using an app, and while table service only remains in place, the establishment has found new ways to accommodate customers.
Ben added: “We’re serving a new takeout style food menu outside all with ecofriendly disposable cutlery and packaging and we’re planning some special food takeover events with local suppliers over the summer, making the most of the situation and hopefully the sunshine.”
At fine dining venue Nutters Restaurant in Norden, service has very successfully resumed, with new safety measures in place and an improved layout to help with social distancing.
Star chef and owner Andrew Nutter said: “It’s great to be back. Working to government guidelines and closely with the council, we’ve taken all the necessary steps, with sanitation stations, two metres between tables, brasserie style menus and taking details for the test and trace service.
“I feel we’ve gone above and beyond to ensure public safety and of course it’s really important to have that trust from our customers.”
Andrew says the key ingredient is to make customers feel both welcome and safe, adding: “We want our diners to feel relaxed while enjoying fantastic food and drink.
“Feedback so far has been humbling and makes it all worthwhile. Yes it’s a difficult time for the hospitality industry but hopefully we can set the standards, strike the right balance and carry on, keeping our customers safe and happy.”
Two weeks after lockdown restrictions on the hospitality sector eased, councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration, business, skills & employment, is reminding everyone of the importance of social distancing.
Coun Blundell said: “The vast majority of those out socialising in the borough have been behaving responsibly, sticking to the government guidance, but there are still a minority who think the rules don’t apply to them.
“Everyone has a responsibility to themselves and to others and now is not the time to be complacent.
“Getting our bars, pubs and restaurants back open safely has been a huge team effort and I’m really pleased how everyone has worked together to make this happen.
“We all have a role to play to protect ourselves, families and neighbours. Coronavirus is still in circulation, so stay local where you can and take care.”