Table service and apps are here to stay
Covid ushered in welcome ways of enjoying food and drink, say bosses
TABLE service, card-only payment and ‘order by app’ look set to become permanent fixtures in many Birmingham bars, despite the lifting of Covid restrictions on Monday – so-called ‘Freedom Day’.
The changes mean bars and restaurants can begin to operate ‘normally’ again.
However, many hospitality bosses have told the Post they will be keeping some of the changes introduced in the pandemic because they have worked so well.
These include:
Card only payment policy Continued social distancing
Order by app and table service Pavement dining
Gary McDonnell, who owns Hennessey’s in Digbeth, said the Government-enforced restrictions on hospitality had brought some benefits to his bar that are here to stay.
Mr McDonnell said: “I think people have got used to social distancing, and they like it. Just because next week is Freedom Day doesn’t mean everyone is going to want to be on top of each other.
“People like the freedom of having space to walk around a bit more. We definitely won’t be cramming more people in going forward.
“We will also be keeping table service on the app or people can go the bar. Their choice.”
Other venues keeping table service and pay apps include The Canal House and The Botanist in the city centre, and The Plough in Harborne.
Plough boss Adam Johnson is also “keeping social distancing” and a card only, no cash policy. The pub will retain its separate exit and entrance and a reservation desk to manage bookings and walk-ins.
“People don’t want to be queueing at the bar for a drink. It feels special to be directed to your table by a staff member, and they take your order,” Mr Johnson said.
“Pre-Covid, we’d never have thought of offering table service, but people prefer it.
“There have been many negatives for hospitality over the past 17 months, of course, but I think the restriction to table service only has been a big positive.
“Pre-Covid, we had room for 220 covers. But we won’t be increasing much more than our current 140 capacity in the coming months.
“This also adds to a nicer experience for diners so to have a bit of space around them. I know some pubs will not be able to take that hit on sales any longer, but luckily we don’t need to increase capacity.
Mr Johnson added: “The
Plough has increased prices but we are now giving customers a much more refined experience than previously.
“I’m not sure whether the no cash policy will be welcomed by everyone. Cards are more Covid safe – but
for us as a business, it just makes things so much more smoother,” he added.
One of the big permanent changes for The Plough is a new £15,000 beer garden. The pub boss revealed: “Initially, we wanted to ensure to make a nice space for our older diners who are still cautious about Covid, but everyone enjoys being in the garden, with each table, having their own overhead heater. We’ve always been a popular local, but with more people staying closer to home over the past year, we have had to raise our game and make changes so this investment has been well worth it.”
Since the end of outdoor hospitality restrictions on April 21, many places were given temporary pavement licences to serve people outside, which has helped to create a new “continental vibe”.
The Prime Minister has said he would like the licences which are due to expire on September 30, to be made permanent as part of a new ‘High Streets Strategy’.
Anita Champenari, who runs Delicious marketing agency, believes Birmingham’s new European feel is set to continue.
“This new cafe culture is a big selling point over the summer, but many of our clients who have extended their al fresco offering because of Covid want to make it permanent,“she said.
“Siamais has asked Brindleyplace management to make the new seated astro turf area in Oozells Square permanent rather than just for summer.
“People have got used to socialising outdoors and are much more prepared to withstand the cold now than they would have been before Covid.”
Over at the Mailbox, Lucarelli restaurant has been a hit with diners because of its ‘Italian river-style’ terrace.
The restaurant opened in the old Red Peppers site.
Alessandro Meraglia, Lucarelli general manager, said: “Our terrace is booked up several weeks in advance.
“We have spent a lot of money on heating and a retractable roof, so it works for any weather.
“With so many people not going abroad for their holidays, it’s the nearest they will get to Italy!”
Brummies have been staying much closer to home in their daily lives, too – as most workers have yet to return to the office.
Pre-Covid, we’d never have thought of offering table service, but people prefer it. Adam Johnson, The Plough