After finally receiving the news from the government that we can open on the 4th July we were delighted to start the process of our reopening.
Having made preliminary plans and provisions for opening up safely and securely we still needed that government guidance to ensure we met all criteria required for opening. Luckily our plans were fully inline with the government’s requirements and has left us with a manageable, if a little hectic, schedule to get open on the 4th July.
One of the measures we decided to take during the lockdown was to get an independent risk assessment for our premises in relation to the threat of COVID-19, this means we declare ourselves COVID Secure in accordance with government guidelines. A polite list of advice and our requests will be at every entrance and we kindly ask you adhere to these whilst visiting, there is also additional signage around the premises. We identified the risks our trade posed to both our customers and staff. To protect everyone in the premises we have increased both the frequency of cleaning and emphasised cleaning on high touch areas such as handles, chairs and door push plates. We have hand sanitiser on all entry points and throughout the premises. All front of house staff will have personal hand sanitisers clipped to their belts to make sure they are keeping good hygiene with the handling of glasses and plates. Menus will be single use and handed out on entry. Tables have been spaced to ensure social distancing and where tables are within 2 metres there will be some screens to separate customers. A brand new patio area ensures plenty of outside seating that is well spaced out. Screens on the bar ensure we can communicate with guests if they need to speak to a member of staff in closer proximity should they wish a more personal conversation.
Along with the changes to the premises and staff procedures above we will also be working in a slightly different way to how we usually do. A high presence of staff on the restaurant floor will ensure table service is available to avoid congestion at tills and order points. We will welcome guests at the door and seat you to ensure we are not over capacity at any point and whilst we welcome walk-ins we are highly encouraging booking in advance. This can be done online at www.applebyinn.co.uk or via phone or email. We are currently in the process of developing an APP and also online ordering via the website which will mean guests can order from the comfort of their own seat without a server! With the short notice of the announcement this might not quite hit the deadline of the 4th July for our re-opening but we are confident this will be a fantastic tool for diners and drinkers, especially for the beer garden seating!
Our menu is a little more extensive due to us not having the specials board in use to avoid crowding, but we will change the menu more frequently to keep things new and to freshen up our dishes. Our light bite menu is now available all day and evening and at the weekends too! The set menu Sunday lunch in the Adelaide Suite has been suspended but we are re-vamping our Sunday lunch options in our main restaurant with exciting new choices, a new style of presentation. We will leave the details for another time and you will just have to keep an eye on our social media for more details on this! A delicious new cocktail menu has been produced, our gin selection expands even further whilst our draught range welcomes the czech lager Staropramen.
Whilst we are delighted to be re-opening we do still express our concerns that the virus is still in circulation. This reflects in the extensive steps we have taken to keep you guys and our staff safe. We will need your understanding and your co-operation to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. We are confident that the steps we have taken will not detract from the Appleby Inn experience and that the new normal will feel normal.
We are looking forward to welcoming you all back and can’t express how difficult we have found it as a family for the business to sit idle for months, we are desperate to feel the buzz of service, the sound of laughter and to see the smiles of satisfied customers once again.
Stay safe and we will see you soon.
Michael x
