‘This is going to be so difficult now’: Local hospitality businesses share Tier 3 concerns

The new rules, which come into force today (December 2), means that pubs, restaurants and cafes across Lincolnshire will be limited to providing collection-only or takeaway services to customers.

Mike Bristow, who owns the ‘Old Warehouse’ Larders coffee shop in Little Butcher Lane, said he is ‘mystified’ as to why hospitality has been singled out, as he understands other areas - such as schools and colleges - are more likely to act as ‘breeding grounds’ for the coronavirus to spread.

Mr Bristow said: “The increase in cases obviously needed government action, but its time they stopped treating us all like complete idiots.

“Every man and his dog could see this coming weeks and weeks ago.

“As for Larders, a small independent coffee shop, and many like us, I cant see a way out.

“Unfortunately the grant does not cover the rent this time, let alone running costs.

“In addition we are expected to pay for tax, National Insurance and pension contributions for staff on payroll.

“Much less money than the lockdown in March. This is going to be so difficult now.”

Mr Bristow continued: “Its just not viable to run the coffee machines with electric, heating, etc for just takeaways without a bit more financial help from the government, so we are stuck in big hole.

“We are sat on several thousands of pounds of ground coffee and beans from all over the world that we took delivery of a week before lockdown and paid for.

“As of this week we have taken a market stall on Louth Market on a Friday and Saturday to try and sell some of the stock for Christmas.

“I can’t see us being allowed to open until the New Year, and for the first time in many years I have to question if it’s worth it at all with no clear path yet.”

On a more positive final note, Mr Bristow said: “We are still in with shout and a fight as a local business. We are not giving up yet!”

He added that Larders has adapted to provide meals on wheels for the elderly since the first lockdown, with over 6,000 meals now provided throughout the county, with ongoing assistance from Lincolnshire Freemasons and the Rotary Club of Skegness.

Meanwhile the landlady at the Railway Tavern pub, in Aby, has described the decision to put our area into Tier 3 as ‘disappointing but understandable’.

Landlady, Dawn Jacklin, said: “We are continuing to do takeaway meals to keep a small income stream. Takeaways have become an integral part of our business, as some of our customers still prefer to eat at home because of their own circumstances.

“At the moment we are hoping for a change on the December 16 so that we can at least have a little bit of Christmas.

“This will be our second Christmas affected, as last year we were on limited opening because I had to have a hip replacement.

“We had literally just got back on our feet in February only for lockdown to hit in March.

“We miss the buzz about the place and certainly miss the celebrations, although we have tried to help make some birthdays and anniversaries special for our customers through the lockdown period.

“The 14th of December will mark eighteen years since we opened the Railway Tavern, there have certainly been some ups and downs, but some great times with some wonderful customers who are still supporting us now.”

The layout of the pub has been altered to ensure it is a Covid-safe environment, and Dawn is looking forward to welcoming customers back indoors in future.

In the meantime, visit the Railway Tavern’s Facebook page for regular quizzes and online fundraising events.

Oliver Crossland, owner of The Ranch and Mr Chips, also shared his disappointment about the new restrictions.

He said: “At the end of the day, we can get frustrated and upset, but we just have to get on with it!

“Obviously not being able to open our restaurant is extremely disappointing, especially as Christmas is the time of the year we have our large gatherings, but we’re offering a takeaway service to keep the business going for the foreseeable future and until we have any further tier changes.

“It’s really exciting for us to offer our high quality, restaurant food for takeaway and, by the sounds of it, our customers are loving it!”

Terry Ismay, who runs Oliver’s Wine Bar, said that ‘diversifying’ his business was key to survival - but warned that things would get gradually worse for his business and the rest of the hospitality industry, depending on how long the tough Tier 3 restrictions remain in place.

Terry said: “It’s simple really - you have to diversify if you want a chance at survival.

“(Oliver’s Wine Bar) has been financially hit hard. We followed every rule by the book, yet we the hospitality venues get blame for the spread of the virus!

“With no sudden income we have been really hit hard. Furlough has helped my staff and the grant covers the rent, but that’s it - no help towards the bills, or the replacement of stock that has gone off, etc.

“We had to diversify by opening a takeaway. That has also been hard finding the money to get started, and I’m just lucky I’ve had some amazing help and hard work from friends and family from cleaning, painting, etc.

“We are hanging in there, but the longer the bar is shut the worse things get financially.

“I just wish the government would look at the hospitality industry as a separate issue and organise a financial package that is more realistic, because many pubs will not be coming back from this.

“We have been through panic, tears, depression, and even illnesses (yes - we caught covid) but seriously it has been and still is mentally draining.

“I thought about giving up many times, but my kids don’t let me. My thoughts are with everyone in out industry at the minute, and I hope they are finding a way.