Garden centre Dobbies to reopen restaurant at Chesterfield store

The move, which includes Dobbies’ site at Barlborough, has been made after updated guidance from the Government.

Dobbies reopened its 68 garden centres across the UK in May, with strict social distancing measures in operation, but its food outlets remained closed.

In each centre there will be a dedicated ‘Safety Champion’ who will be solely responsible for ensuring all measures are being followed.

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive of Dobbies, said: “The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies number one priority, which is why we have introduced the new role of Safety Champion.

“Not only do we want customers to feel safe, but we want them to have an enjoyable experience.

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“We look forward to welcoming customers back into our Derbyshire restaurants and would like to thank our team members and customers for following the measures we have implemented.”

Tables and chairs have been laid out in the restaurants to ensure there is a safe distance between diners.

In the Barlborough store, customers will select their food then collect their covered meal from a dedicated food collection area, along with cutlery, wrapped straight from the dishwasher.

Protective screens remain installed at tills and customers are asked to pay with card or contactless.

Dobbies bosses say appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) has been provided for all staff at its centres.

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