Horncastle tea room owner is hoping local businesses won’t have to fold because of Covid-19

The owner of one of Horncastle’s most popular tea rooms says he hopes his and other local independent businesses will survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
Barrie Jenkinson is hoping for good news soon. Picture: John Aron.Barrie Jenkinson is hoping for good news soon. Picture: John Aron.
Barrie Jenkinson is hoping for good news soon. Picture: John Aron.

Barrie Jenkinson, who runs the Bridge Tea Rooms, admits he has ‘no idea’ when businesses like his will be able to open.

Mr Jenkinson has furloughed his staff and received a small business grant from East Lindsey District Council via central government funding.

However, he admits that even with financial help, survival is a desperate battle - physically and mentally.

Mr Jenkinson said: “Will I survive this? I honestly don’t know.

“Will every cafe and tea room in Horncastle survive? I don’t know. No-one does.

“We’re all in the same boat. We’re hoping for the best and hoping we can get through it.

“We might be in competition but no-one wants to see anyone go under.”

Mr Jenkinson admitted Easter would have marked the start of his and other tea rooms’ busy period.

He explained: “You expect it to be quiet during the winter, but Easter is usually the time things start to pick up.

“It’s the same for anyone in this business. You rely on trade from Easter to September and then things start to drop off again.

“Now (May) would normally be very busy.

“Instead of running the business, I’ve re-decorated the entire inside of the building.

“It’s kept me occupied. I’m not going to sit at home all day and wait and worry.”

Mr Jenkinson admitted not knowing when his business will re-open is a major headache.

He added: “We all understand why we had to close but it would be good to know what plans are in placer to ease the lockdown.

“You could be talking weeks or months. We keep being told pubs, restaurants and cafes/tea rooms will be the last in line to open.

“At best, I think it is going to be the end of the summer, which is just when trade starts to drop off.”

Mr Jenkinson admitted that even when the lockdown is lifted, it will be difficult making a living.

He added: “I’m pretty sure taxes will increase because the Government will want to claw back the money it has spent fighting all this.

“Councils will also be looking to claw back some of the income they’ve lost so things like business rates and council tax will probably go up.

“A lot of people will have less money in their pockets, especially for eating and drinking out.

“This town is built on small independent businesses. We’re all fighting to stay alive. Everyone is suffering. People are dying. You have got to stay positive and believe it will get better.”