DROITWICH and Bromsgrove raised a glass to the reopening of pub and restaurant gardens today as the country enters the next phase of easing lockdown.
Non-essential shops, gyms and hair salons have also opened for the first time in more than three months in what has been a torrid time for many businesses.
The ‘rule of six’ applies outside to anyone wanting to eat and drink at bars, pubs and restaurants. And customers must individually sign in at venues by using the NHS Covid-19 app.
Landlord of the Gardeners Arms in Droitwich, Simon Berry, told the Standard: “We are fully booked; it’s absolutely brilliant to welcome customers back to our garden.
“We’ve had our inspections and we’re all ready to go.”
Emma, who works behind the bar at The Ladybird Inn in Bromsgrove, said: “It’s so lovely to see everyone and to be back at work again – I was getting very bored at home.
“We’ve really missed our customers. A lot of our regulars have been in today which is great to see.”
Ye Olde Black Cross was pleased to reopen on Monday, telling customers that anyone found not enjoying themselves will be given an espresso to ‘perk up’.
The Worcester Road pub has launched a new brunch menu to coincide with welcoming customers back. It will be available everyday until 4pm.
There were fewer than 20 Covid-19 cases recorded in Bromsgrove and Droitwich in the seven days leading up to April 6.
More than 32million people across the country have been vaccinated.
Simon Wilkes, head of service at Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “We have contacted businesses to remind them of the measures they need to put in place.
“From revisiting risk assessments and deep cleans to ensuring efficient ventilation in the premises and encouraging staff to take lateral flow tests.
“These actions should become a part of a daily routine to keep everybody safe.”
