Cheers all round as pubs and restaurants re-open in town

With pubs and restaurants introducing new social distancing measures and other changes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, customers faced a very different experience.

Not all decided to open their doors straight away, and a number of people elected not to go out and eat or drink just yet, which meant it was a relatively quiet night.

But after three months of not being able to go out, a significant number did venture out to their local for a pint or to town for a bite to eat.

And there was praise for all involved after a virtually trouble-free night in Boston saw customers respecting the new rules and pubs and restaurants ensuring they were in as safe an environment as possible.

One drinker told the Standard: “I couldn’t have felt safer.”

Police in Boston praised the businesses that opened and the people who went out to them.

Inspector Fran Harrod said: “In Boston the venues that opened were very well prepared, and those who visited them behaved admirably.

“Our officers were out and about all day and evening speaking with those running, working in and visiting the newly reopened pubs.

“There was only once incident reported in the town centre the whole night, spotted by CCTV.

“Thank you to everyone for doing the right thing whilst finally getting to enjoy an evening out after lockdown.”

Dominic Solesbury, general manager of the White Hart, said: “It went really well. It was great to see the guests understanding the measures we have in place.”

He said they had a one-way system in place, and asked visitors to report to the host on arrival before sitting down, with just table service offered.

“Doing just table service meant we could offer our usual great service. It wasn’t a huge change really for us,” he said.

“And it was good to see the customers and guests really rallying round it. We had no issues at all. Everyone was in very upbeat sprits but following the guidelines which is exactly what we wanted.”

The hotel has gone completely cashless, so customers paid by card or on their new app. He said guests were understanding of little bugs with the process and went out of their way to help out.

He said they had also had ten rooms let in the hotel, which was more than they expected. He said the check-in process has been really slimmed down, and they were not doing breakfasts, but offering a takeaway option.

Alison Gott, Goodbarn’s Yard manager, said: “All customers were receptive and listened to our guidance regulations. Overall it was a great success. It was hard work and labour-intensive staff-wise, but no issues; we had patient customers and lots of positive feedback, talking of feeling safe within their Goodbarns’ experience.

“We couldn’t have asked for more.”

Customer Jo Christmas was in complete agreement, saying the bar had done a fabulous job, and adding: “I couldn’t have felt safer.”

At Los Burritos restaurant, the experience was also good, according to chef and owner Candida Borges.

“It all went really well. We felt a lot of love from our customers, who we kept contact with over social media and by newsletter during lockdown. The evening went really smoothly.

“Customers were genuinely really nice. We know people are fed up of the lockdown, and I think this has heightened people’s joy for the opening.”

She said in terms of numbers, they were probably at about half for a normal Saturday night, but they were doing increased takeouts.

New measures in place include hand disinfection at the entrance, access of the menu via a QR code, individually wrapped cutlery, at least two metres distancing between tables, 50%of normal capacity, and two sittings on Friday and Saturdays, and staff wearing masks.

She said: “Customers should know that Los Burritos has all safety measures in place and that we have developed some super-funky take away deals for those preferring to stay at home, and eat in the park or outdoors.

“We, like all businesses, need local support so order from the locals.

“By supporting local businesses, you make sure Boston thrives as a town!”

Customers were also more than happy with how things were handled.

Paul Edwards and his daughter Isabelle, nine, visited Goodbarns Yard, and he was happy with the changes and the way they were communicated.

“Alison the landlady explained the changes with the one way system and the toilets.

“It was all very good. No problems at all.”

Pete Bastick enjoyed visiting The Moon Under Water in Boston.

He said: “It was nice to sit there and have a pint for the first time in three months. If people stick to the rules, I think it will work out.”