A few weeks delayed but it seems “freedom day” is finally hitting our lovely Isle. On Monday most legal covid restrictions will be lifted, night clubs can re-open and face masks will no longer be mandatory, although it’s encouraged in many places.
Specifically for the hospitality sector, pubs and restaurants the 19th will mean:
Capacity limitations lifted
Social distancing rules removed
No rule of 6 or 2 households only at tables
End of table service only
It should be cause for celebration but with rising covid cases and the new delta variant - many have mixed and cautious feelings.
It’s perhaps not surprising that many prefer and will continue wishing to being seated outdoors when dining or having a drink. Ellie Gill, the landlady at The Grapes in Bath told the BBC
"With the amount of cases going on sitting outside is what people most want to do"
It’s therefore welcomed news that the government's new hospitality strategy includes among other industry supportive initiatives, that pavement and outdoor pint licenses will be extended another year at least in England. Kate Nicholls from UK Hospitality said:
“The pandemic has devastated the hospitality sector and businesses are desperate to bounce back strongly and return to profitable trading. That’s why the launch of this new Hospitality Strategy is so important – it offers a strong platform to deliver the supportive regulatory and trading environment we need to recover, rebuild resilience and thrive”
The trend of alfresco preference among guests certainly seems set to stay. Many venues have already prepared by investing into their outdoor seating areas.
While the summer is finally here and temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees on Sunday. We are already now speaking with multiple eco-friendly hotels, restaurants and pubs, who are planning ahead to the autumn and winter season. They wish to ensure their guests continued outdoor comfort on the colder evenings and seasons. They are however looking for an eco-friendly, cheaper and reusable alternative to gas and electric heaters.
Should you be looking for an alternatives too, then please get in touch so we can ensure delivery of your branded or customised Sittingsuits. Most of the new Autumn colours are going fast so please reach out today.
All the best
John