What hospitality firms in the Chesterfield area have to say ahead of July 4 reopening

Last month, the Prime Minister announced English pubs, bars, restaurants, hairdressers and accommodation providers could fully reopen from July 4 after being closed for nearly four months to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

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“Within minutes of Boris Johnson’s announcement our online booking system was deluged and we had to suspend it,” said Chris Mapp, owner of the Tickled Trout in Barlow.

“People are generally fed up with cooking at home and are desperate to come back out, have a decent pint and enjoy a nice meal.”

However, the customer experience will not be the same as it was before the pandemic started as businesses have had to make a number of changes to ensure they are ‘Covid-secure’.

Chris said: “It’s bookings only for the time being to ensure everyone has a seat.

“We have reduced the number of tables and there will be no standing both inside the restaurant and outside in our pop-up bar and seating area.

“We’ll also be asking customers to complete an email questionnaire when they book with us as part of the NHS Track and Trace system.

“Their details will be stored securely for 21 days and then destroyed.”

Claire Wood, owner of Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House in Chesterfield, said her business will reopen on Monday but it will be bookings-only for customers for the time being.

She added: “We are excited to be reopening.

“It will be good to see the town come back to life again and hopefully see the return of all businesses, and maybe some new ones too.”

Brampton Brewery will open the doors of its pubs at noon on Saturday with table service being provided inside all its venues.

Chris Radford, owner of Brampton Brewery, said there will be no standing in the pubs.

But he added: “Outside, in the confines of the garden areas, it will be a bit more relaxed and people will be allowed to queue, socially distanced, to purchase from the bar.”

MORE: First pictures as Chesterfield town centre pub prepares to reopen doors

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