Councillor's video gives 'behind the scenes' view of Droitwich pub's post-lockdown reopeneing

A VIDEO has been made to give a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the measures a Droitwich landlord has put in place as part of his post-Coronavirus lockdown reopening.

Champion of local businesses Coun Richard Morris headed down to the Gardeners Arms for a glimpse of everything licensee Simon Berry had done to ensure his pub was Covid-secure and make sure social-distancing was maintained.

The video takes viewers on a tour of the pub, highlighting the process of going to the pub post-lockdown, from entering – and giving your details for the NHS Track and Trace system – to the social distancing measures and the fact there is hand sanitiser on every table.

Simon has introduced booths outside the back of the pub so people can still enjoy drinks with the people they are able to see whilst isolating from other customers.

He also uses ‘air corridors’ which enables the flow of air through the pub, lessening the chance of the virus spreading and a new kitchen has been installed.

Throughout the lockdown the Gardeners Arms has offered deliveries both directly and via JustEat.

Simon said the pub had delivered more than 35,000 meals over the past four months.

“That has saved us really and put us in a strong position when it came to reopen.

“And when that happened, our reopening was very successful.

“We have put a lot of investment into the pub because we know it is important the customers feel confident they are going to be safe when they come here,” added Simon.

The Gardeners has a doorbell system on the front door which people ring and are then welcomed in by a staff member who shows them to a table.

A bleeper system lets customers know when their food is ready and meals are covered as they are taken to tables.

Simon said he had also introduced plastic drinking vessels as scientific evidence showed the Coronavirus can last for up to six days on glass.

“It’s important to come and support your local pub after we have been locked down for so long so we can recoup some of the money.

“And we know it is equally important that you feel safe which is why we have put these measures in place.

“We want you to come and enjoy the pub and its atmosphere again.”

Coun Morris congratulated Simon on what he had achieved, along with all the effort and creativity he had put into the reopening.

And he added in the video: “We want people to come here and all the pubs in Droitwich so we can get some vibrancy back in the town.”

Click below to see the video created and posted on his Facebook page.