‘Opening up is expensive. We have to get this right’
FROM PUBS TO DATING SERVICES, BRITAIN’S BUSINESSES ARE PREPARING TO HEAD OUTSIDE. WE CATCH UP WITH SOME OF THEM AHEAD OF MONDAY’S RULE CHANGE
THE TRAMSHED PROJECT, BAR AND RESTAURANT
Dominic Cools-Lartigue is reopening the Tramshed Project in Old Street, London, and is planning to use outside street space to seat drinkers and diners.
‘We’ve got a licence and can seat 48 people,’ he says. The restaurant will open Thursday to Sunday, he says, as they can’t afford to have days when not operating at full capacity.
‘We’re really excited and we have wet and cold weather plans, including parasols, gazebos and lots of blankets.’
He says that he’s nervous about restrictions and changes, after last year when he lost £50,000 of bookings in two days. But bookings are strong at present.
‘People are so excited to get out and see each other, and outdoors feels right now,’ he says. ‘But opening up is expensive, so we have to get this right and ensure the demand is there.’
CECE AND ME, SHOE-FITTING SERVICE
For Sam Chetwood, owner of Southfields-based CeCe & Me, coronavirus has found her working in an entirely new way – fitting shoes onto children outside in her front garden.
‘The business has been going for a few years and I’d usually go to playgroups or to people’s homes, to make it convenient for them,’ she explains. ‘In lockdown, I’ve stuck to guidance and have fitted shoes for children outside. Most of them are pre-schoolers
who don’t count towards the limits for people meeting so I have been able to work within the guidelines.’ Although Sam says that some young children have found it strange to be asked to take their shoes off in the garden, generally she says the process has worked well and she will continue it. Once she is allowed she says she will go back into other people’s homes when asked but will continue fitting shoes outside. Parents feel safer being outside for now,’ she says. ‘It is going to be a while before that isn’t the case.’
MY FRIEND CHARLIE DATING AGENCY
Charlotte Spokes runs dating agency
My Friend Charlie, as well as new digital platform Hellosolo, which showcases singles events and services.
At present, everything she is offering is outdoors, including the very first dating event of the season, a ‘Beginners’ Boat Race’, which is legal before other larger gatherings because people are allowed to meet in groups if they are participating in organised sport.
When groups of 30 are allowed from May, she will host other larger events on her platform, but they will all be outside, she says.
‘I think people have become really hardy over lockdown,’ she says. ‘They are so desperate to meet up that they’ll just put on a warmer coat if the weather is bad. It’s been a year and it has been particularly hard on single people so I think they just can’t wait to get out and see people.’
FIVE POINTS BREWERY
Ed Mason runs East London’s largest independent brewery, Five Points, and is planning to open an outdoor taproom from April 12.
‘I think there has been a permanent change of culture and people will prefer drinking outdoors,’ he says.
‘Like lots of people, we’re investing in covered and heated areas for this.’
Ed says that, with so many people doing the same, there is a shortage of awnings, pergolas and other outdoor furniture at present, but there’s a huge demand from people locally to go out.
‘We’ve also been helping the pubs that we serve by replacing beer free of charge and also by providing canopies. We’re all ready now. Let’s just hope that the weather is on our side.’