Chesterfield restaurants and hotels 'optimistic' about future as customers return

Owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez, has said that despite Covid-19 restrictions, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are feeling positive following their re-opening on Saturday, July 4.

The optimism has been further boosted by chancellor Rishi Sunak’s help for the hospitality industry.

Mr Perez said: “The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to have an impact on the industry for the foreseeable future and businesses have worked extremely hard to adapt their business models.

"It is a tough market and we are extremely grateful for the government initiatives including business rate reductions, eating out voucher scheme and VAT reduction.”

One of the businesses to sign up to the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, includes H and F Vintage Tearooms based on New Beetwell Street.

Sharon Hilton, owner and director of the tearooms, said: “I am feeling optimistic about the future.

"Each day since opening there has been a steady increase in business.

"Customers and staff have adapted well to the small changes we’ve put in place.”

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout shared Sharon’s optimism.

He said: “We’ve been busier than expected since re-opening.

"The safety measures we have put in place have ensured that customers feel safe and comfortable and they are confident in dining with us.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said: “Despite the hospitality sector’s nervousness ahead of re-opening, it is great to see that people are returning to their favourite pubs, restaurants and cafes.

"Many businesses have had to reduce the seating capacity to account for social distancing, however they have made use of outdoor space which has proved popular given the recent good weather."

View a list of places in Chesterfield that are taking part in the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/eat-out-to-help-out-in-chesterfield.