PUBS and bars were officially allowed to reopen from yesterday in a further easing of lockdown measures in the UK.
Plenty of Brits had been counting down the days before they could return to their local, with many queuing up yesterday morning for the grand 6am opening.
Of course, just because pubs were allowed to reopen yesterday doesn’t mean that all of them automatically opened straight away.
And for those that opened, new rules were put in place around ordering through apps and sitting in gardens to keep staff and customers safe.
Which pubs have opened in the UK today?
The majority of major pub brands reopened at least some of their pubs yesterday.
Here’s what all the major chains such as Wetherspoons, Fuller’s, Green King and Marston’s have said about which of their locations have reopened and what restrictions are in place.
JD Wetherspoons
Wetherspoon reopened 750 of its pubs on July 4.
The chain has invested £11million into new measures to keep staff and customers safe.
As well as checking the temperatures of staff before they’re allowed back to work, they will also be provided with gloves, masks and protective eyewear.
Tables have been moved to allow for one metre plus distancing and some have had screens installed.
The pubs will also offer a “slightly reduced menu” – although Wetherspoons hasn’t yet confirmed what it includes.
The Wetherspoons app also allows customers to order from their tables and pubs will have separate exits and entrances.
Wetherspoons will also employ two full-time staff per pub to regularly clean surfaces and touch points.
Fuller’s pubs
Fuller’s opened 12 of its pubs from yesterday with a gradual, phased approach planned for the rest of its locations.
You can find out your nearest open tavern using the pub reopening tool.
Fuller’s says the page will be updated as more pubs open.
All of the pubs and hotels will be deep cleaned before opening.
There will be new sanitising stations throughout.
Seating arrangements will allow for one metre plus social distancing and, where possible, there will be separate entrances and exits, with a one-way system.
Fuller’s has also been developing an order and pay at table system for food and drinks, which it will be trialling in selected pubs.
The chain is encouraging customers to book in advance to guarantee a table.
Marston’s
Marston’s opened 80-85 per cent of its pubs yesterday, including Rotisserie pubs and Pitcher and Pianos.
The chain has made several changes to keep customers safe in the coronavirus pandemic.
These include enhanced cleaning measures, as well as thorough training for staff.
There will also be social distancing at all open sites.
But chief executive Ralph Findlay has said that staff will not have to wear masks.
Mitchells And Butlers
Mitchells and Butlers own a huge range of pubs, bars and eateries.
These include:
- ALEX
- All Bar One
- Browns
- Castle
- Ember Inns
- Inkeepers Lodge
- Nicholson’s
- O’Neill’s
- Oak Tree
- Orchid Pubs
- Premium Country Pub
- Sizzling Pubs
- Vintage Inns
- Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery
All the brands have reopened on July 4 and they are all taking bookings online.
Some locations may have reduced opening hours while others are serving a limited menu.
The owners have warned that in the short-term, descriptions on menus may not always accurately reflect the contents of a dish.
If you fancy a meal and you have dietary requirements you need to speak to a team member before you order.
All the pubs and bars have updated their cleaning schedules and will be set up to allow social distancing.
Some of the brands – such as All Bar One – have apps that you can download to make a booking, view menus and use the order and pay service.
Stonegate Pubs
Stonegate Pubs own a lot of chain favourites.
Each of its brands now has a “Welcome Back” page detailing individual plans to reopen from July 4.
The full list includes:
- Slug and Lettuce – 64 pubs opened yesterday
- Yates – 24 pubs opened yesterday
- Walkabout – 19 bars opened yesterday
- Classic Inns – 49 pubs opened yesterday
- Great UK Pubs – 200 pubs opened yesterday
- Town Pub and Kitchen – 61 craft pubs opened yesterday
- Pubs With More – 13 pubs opened yesterday
- Best City Pubs – 11 pubs opened yesterday
- Henry’s Cafe Bar – Piccadilly location opened yesterday
- Off The Wall Bars – all bars opened yesterday
- Bar Salsa – SoHo venue opened yesterday
- Sports Bar and Grill – six bars opened yesterday. Canary Wharf location opening at a later date.
- Tank and Paddle – Minster bar opened yesterday. Bishopgate location opening at a later date.
- The Liquorist – Portsmouth bar opened yesterday. Leeds venue opening at a later date.
All of the brands have new apps which mean that you can order and pay without leaving your seat.
The chains have also said there will be small changes to menus and new social distancing measures.
What pubs in the UK are still closed?
While many pubs have embraced the government’s blessing to reopen their doors, some are still keeping shut for a while longer to give them time to implement on the safety procedures they need.
Greene King
Greene King has refused to open any of its 1,700 pubs yesterday.
Instead it will reopen 1,294 from Monday, July 6.
The remaining third will open at a later date which has not yet been confirmed.
Customers wishing to book a table at their local will be able to do so via the Greene King app which is now up and running.
Staff have been trained up on health and safety and will have to do temperature checks at the beginning of each shift.
An order and pay app has also been launched to reduce contact for customers.
All Greene King’s new safety measures can be found here.
Revolution Bars
A small number of Revolution bars will be opening from Monday, July 6.
The Brighton, Bristol, Huddersfield and Liverpool Albert Dock bars are all set to open their doors after three long months of closure.
The rest of the bars will be opened slowly with a phased approach.
A number of changes have been made to improve customer safety. These include:
- Bars are operating at a reduced capacity
- Tables have been spaced further apart and screens are in place where required
- Order and Pay from your table using your mobile
- Hand sanitiser stations are available
- Increased cleaning in customer areas
- Bars have gone cashless, preferring contactless where possible
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https://www.hellofaread.com/money/break-your-fast-but-not-your-bank-balance-with-mrs-crunchs-hearty-recipes/
