Brewer and operator Hall & Woodhouse has revealed details of its phased reopening plans including two-metre distanced tables, bookings of no more than six people and guests booking 90-minute periods.
With pubs gearing up for independence day from next Saturday (4 July), The Morning Advertiser spoke to a group of operators to find out what it was they were most looking forward to when it comes to the industry getting back up and running.
The latest figures on pub closures have revealed that the number of pubs in England and Wales calling final orders in the first half of 2020 remained flat year-on-year, despite the enforced closure in March.
East-Anglian pub operator Chestnut has used a survey of pubgoers to formulate a reopening strategy revolving around limited numbers and a focus on outdoor seating.
The family behind nationwide shoe repair chain, Timpson, has tied up a deal for beleaguered pub operator 16 Hospitality for an undisclosed sum – saving almost 100 jobs in the process.
Though excitement is building for the reopening of pubs, a number of operators have told The Morning Advertiser (MA) they are either reluctant or unable to open on the earmarked 4 July date even if allowed.
While a survey by UKHospitality (UKH) found that pubs were the hospitality industry’s most optimistic sub-sector ahead of the resumption of trade in July, the overall picture suggests a long and painful recovery from Covid-19.
Family brewer and pub operator Everards of Leicestershire has disputed claims it has outright refused to change the name of one of its pubs amid concerns over racial connotations.
Community pub operator Admiral Taverns has launched a new online support platform to help the publicans behind its estate of around 1,000 sites prepare for life after lockdown.
The Government needs to get out of the way and let the sector manage the process of reopening safely, according to leading hospitality investor Charlie McVeigh.
