Doors swinging open to welcome you back inside
WAVE OF OPTIMISM FOR BUSINESS OWNERS WHO CAN ALLOW CUSTOMERS IN TO PUBS, CAFÉS, RESTAURANTS, GYMS AND A HOST OF OTHER INDOOR HOSPITALITY VENUES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS - BUT PEOPLE ARE WARNED TO STAY SAFE
BURTON business owners have been speaking of their optimism as they prepare to fling open their doors today.
The next stage in the easing of lockdown restrictions allows for people to meet in a group of six – or two households – indoors; or in a group of up to 30 outdoors.
One of the most important aspects of the next step of lockdown easing is the opening of indoor hospitality.
This includes pubs and bars being allowed to reopen their indoor sections. Also able to reopen are cinemas and theatres, as well as indoor entertainment areas, such as trampoline parks and bingo halls.
One of the pubs that will be able to reopen is the Dog Inn, in Lichfield Street, Burton.
Owner John Mclaughlin was not able to reopen his pub in April as it does not have a beer garden. However, he is optimistic about this week.
He said: “I can’t wait to swing open doors to guests again. We’ve been out for the best part of seven months.
“We’ve done a full risk assessment and all the expected Covid safety measures are in place, including a QR code for track and trace, which everyone must check in to.
“There will also be proper ventilation, as well as various barriers and one-way systems in place to ensure everyone is kept as safe as possible.
“I’d like to think we get busy next week. People do want to go back into pubs.
“It’s been such a shame about the weather over the past few weeks, but we’re glad that guests can go inside for pubs.
“It was supposed to be our sixth anniversary in two weeks and it’s a shame we can’t do the big beer festival like we planned. We’ve now missed two of our birthdays. That means that we’ve got some making up to do later this year.”
Some pubs have been able to keep trading using their beer gardens. However, as Sam Rice, the owner of the Loaf and Cheese, in Waterloo Street, Burton, says, people have been looking forward to coming back inside more.
She said: “Most of our older customers don’t really like sitting outside and I don’t like people sitting outside, especially in the cold, wet weather we’ve been having. A lot of people have told me how excited they are to come back inside. I think it generally feels a lot different this time around. Back in July last year when we reopened, I sort of knew we’d head back into a lockdown.
“I think a lot of older people are getting lonely without the pub, so it’s lovely and really encouraging how much they tell me they miss the social aspects of being in my pub.
“I’d definitely say people are more confident compared to the same time last year. The vaccine rollout has really helped people’s perception of social gatherings.”
Also reopening for indoor hospitality are restaurants.
The owner of curry house Manzil Gold, Abdul Muhit, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing our regulars coming back and welcoming in some new diners.
“We’ve missed our regulars quite a lot so we are excited to reopen.
We’ve been keeping to all Covid regulations and it should be quite busy.
“Lots of diners who’ve come to ours to pick up takeout have said how much they’re looking forward to having a proper sit-down meal, so I’m really optimistic about the reopening.”
Bablu Miah, owner of the Claypot Lounge curry house, in New Street, Burton, said: “I’m generally optimistic about reopening for dining. The restaurant won’t be at full capacity and will be reservations only.
“We’ve spread our reservations through the week and taken extra steps to make sure people will be as safe as possible.
“The thing is; we have to be prepared for everything. We’re taking measures very seriously and looking at the developments.
“It is all about going one step at a time and taking everything as it comes. But we’re still happy we can
I think a lot of older people are getting lonely without the pub... they miss the social aspects.
Sam Rice
reopen for diners.”
Fitness fanatics will also be excited now leisure centres, fitness centres and gyms can reopen for indoor group exercise.
This includes Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton and Uttoxeter Leisure Centre, run by private firm Everyone Active as part of a contract with East Staffordshire Borough Council.
The contract manager at Everyone Active, Simon Morgan, said: “We’re delighted to be able to safely resume group exercise classes in our centres.
“Aside from the obvious physical benefits, this will be a huge boost for mental health and wellbeing in the area and comes at an apt time following Mental Health Awareness Week.
“Many of our customers thrive on the social element of exercise, not just for motivational reasons but also because they enjoy seeing friendly faces in a familiar environment. With social contact having been limited over the past year, the ability to mix safely with other members of the community will be appreciated by many.
“The importance of mental wellbeing is proving increasingly resonant with the public and customers can reintroduce group exercise to their fitness regime in the knowledge they are addressing the needs of body and mind.”
Birds Bakery is also reopening its indoor seating at its Uttoxeter stores.
Chief operating officer Lesley Bird said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the safety of our customers, and all stores that will be open with indoor seating will be socially distanced and equipped with hand sanitisers readily available. We can’t wait to see you all soon.”