Stevenage’s pubs and restaurants are well and truly open for business after a successful week of trialling new COVID-secure measures to keep punters safe.
Pubs, bars, restaurants across the country were allowed to reopen from Saturday, July 4 – in what was dubbed by many as ‘Super Saturday’.
The Fisherman, on Fishers Green, was among many Stevenage pubs to reopen, with manager Peter McAdden recording roughly “50 per cent less trade over the weekend than usual.”
Peter said: “In retrospect we’re thankful it wasn’t too hectic, to be honest – I think long queues with people in close proximity to each other would have been tricky.”
Peter said that “the majority of people are sensible, same with any shop,” with most customers responsibly using the hand sanitiser given at the entrance, and keeping a fair distance.
The Fisherman has placed extra signage in the pub and social distancing stickers, and customers entering from the garden are now invited to wait before being seated, in order to avoid a “free for all” Peter said.
Meanwhile, Cinnabar – on the High Street – has gone to exceptional lengths to keep customers safe and has installed individual perspex screens between tables.
General manager Sam Chester said: “We just wanted to give people every reason to come and feel safe – rather than giving them a reason not to come. The government guidance was really poor generally, so in terms of the social distancing we just had to take our own precautions and rely on the common sense of our customers – who have been great.”
Stevenage resident Sonny Lakeson went to Cinnabar for breakfast, and said she was “very impressed” with the precautions which had been taken.
“It was great seeing a restaurant take responsibility and go the extra mile in terms of making sure you feel safe. I left in a better mood than I arrived in – which is always a good sign!”
Lavish Bar and Grill director Chris Koizi said he was thrilled to be reopen his restaurant again – particularly as Lavish had only launched in the High Street six months before lockdown began.
Chris said that while the climate is tough, he is confident business will return to normal.
How has your business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Get in touch at news@thecomet.net
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here