New normal is strange but welcome

Staff at a popular Wishaw bar have told of their excitement to welcome customers back to the premises.

Girdwoods Bar has been a staple in the town for over 20 years, famous for their love of live music and great atmosphere.

Since re-opening on the July 15, Girdwoods has welcomed back familiar faces and learned to work with the new guidelines that are in place.

Jennifer Barret has worked behind the bar for two years.

She said that it feels very different, but she is happy to be back.

“Adapting to these new changes is the strangest thing about being back,”she said.

“First of all there is the social distancing element. We have the tables set up away from each other and big screens where necessary.

“The bar can feel like it fills up quite quickly at times, but that’s just because we have less space now.

“If it gets too busy in the bar, we are able to open the lounge up next door which is also kitted out with screens and socially distanced tables. There is also a need for PPE, which all the staff are wearing at all times.

“Hand sanitiser is available all throughout the bar. It is pumped through the bar, which means we can fill it up at one central point making it so much easier to keep an eye on.”

Unlike some bars, Girdwoods aren’t doing table bookings. They are operating on a first come, first seated basis.

They are also not doing allocated time-slots, so you can stay in as long as you like.

Jennifer said:“I think having people able to just turn up is really helpful for us. It means that people aren’t booking and then not showing up.

“There are a number of changes in the bar, such as no live music and people aren’t allowed to get too loud.

“It is quite weird having to tell people to be quiet, especially in a place known for loud music.

“We also aren’t able to use the pool table just now, and we have no idea when we will be able to.

“We really want the bands back in and for the pool table to be in use soon – it will feel a bit more like normality.”

Girdwoods is situated beside Wishaw train station and is open every day for walk ins.

You can read more about the bar on their website, www.girdwoods.co.uk.