Pubs take on staff as their regulars lap up sunshine
PUBLICANS in Burton and South Derbyshire have told how they are recruiting new staff as punters have flocked back since Covid restrictions were eased.
And the weather has helped them after months of forced closure during the pandemic.
Pubs have been able to welcome customers back inside since the relaxing of more Covid restrictions on May 17.
Harvey Kang, manager of the Greyhound Inn in Ashby Road, Swadlincote, said a lot of his regular drinking customers are still hesitant to return, but he has had a lot of bookings from customers wanting to eat in.
The 30-year-old said: “We are getting a lot of people coming in and booking a table for food and we are looking to recruit to allow us to continue offering a good level of service.
“To cope with the demands of table service I have had to recruit more staff members which is good for them and me, I was a little dubious at first, but things are going really well. I can’t complain and hopefully this is just the start.”
“We do still get some regular drinkers, but currently the shift towards diners is higher.
“Overall trade has been good. We have had a lot of new customers trying out the place and it’s gone a lot better than expected. We are hoping to organise live entertainment once the restrictions have been completely lifted, people are enjoying being out and we want to do our bit to make sure they continue to have a good time.”
Sam Rice, landlady of The Loaf and Cheese in Waterloo Street, Burton, said should “can’t fault” the support shown to her by customers and has been very busy since reopening.
Sam said: “People are just happy to be out and it’s great to have a positive vibe around the place.
“We have live outdoor entertainment on a fortnightly basis and you get so many new faces coming in which is really good for trade. “I am overwhelmed with the support from my customers and also my staff members.”
Emma Golding, landlord of The Grove in Merrydale Road, Burton, said: “It’s been nice to welcome back inside and initially it felt strange but it’s massive for me and my customers.
“The weather had helped, people are coming out more and it’s been good to see some regular faces as well as a few new faces.
“Now we are working to full capacity, I have bought my full team back in, which means four staff members who were on furlough are back in work and that’s great news for them.
“It’s been good to see everyone. I love my job and to be able to do it again like how it was before is amazing and I hope it stays this way.”
Groups of up to six people, or two households of any size are now allowed to be seated indoors and even though customers need to order, eat and drink while seated, it’s a huge step in the right direction and one the hospitality sector will gratefully accept.