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First look at what post-lockdown pubs could be like
Thoughts?
Pubs will likely see some huge changes when they do finally reopen, including revamped layouts, tables separated by screens, disposable menus and ordering on an app.
One of the most popular conversations we are all having at the moment is where we’re going when everywhere is back open. Will you be heading straight to the pub, going for a slap-up meal or something else entirely?
Now that we have an end date in mind, with some pubs potentially opening from July 4th, it’s time for the hospitality world to come to terms with the new business-as-usual in post-lockdown life.
A pub in Buckinghamshire, the Betsey Wynne, has undertaken a revamp based on the coronavirus 2-metre social distancing rules, including putting up plastic separation screens on neighbouring tables.
Customers will read from disposable menus that will be used once, and are expected to place their orders through an app, or preorder where possible.
Peter Borg-Neal, the founder of Oakman Inns – which owns the the Betsey Wynne – hopes this pub can be used as the blueprint for when all bars and restaurants are allowed to reopen.
It’s predicted this could be as early as July 4th should the ‘R’ continue to decrease and we successfully enter the third and final phase of the government’s proposed lockdown exit plan.
The future of retail after Covid-19 remains uncertain, it has been one of the hardest-hit industries, placing a huge strain on the hospitality sector.
While many retail stores have relied heavily on online orders, concerns have been raised for the future of brick and mortar establishments as online orders have spiked exponentially in lockdown. E-commerce is on an upward trajectory that is unlikely to slow after lockdown eases.
Many retail stores we are used to seeing on the high street may no longer be there when the lockdown is lifted, with places such as Oasis & Warehouse, Laura Ashley, Debenhams, Brighthouse and Cath Kidston having all filed for administration. John Lewis is also expecting not to reopen all of its department stores after lockdown.
Ensuring the safety of staff and customers remains paramount for the successful reopening of any business when the lockdown measures ease.
However, COVID-19 has caused one of the biggest and most drastic shifts in consumer behaviour in recent decades meaning retail as we know it might be changed forever.
As of yet, there has been no government advice on the reopening of restaurants, which all currently remain closed for dine-in customers, but many people are assuming it will echo the measures currently in place.
Across the world, restaurants that have reopened have seen restrictions on capacity and strict measures of a 2-metre distance.
Many restaurants will likely need to have a massive overhaul to remain open and profitable. Including, rearranging kitchens so chefs can work back to back, fewer tables and seats spread further apart and increasing outdoor eating and drinking areas where possible.
The issue still remains though, will customers return when restaurants are back open? It’s unlikely that the industry will return to how we used to know it for a while and in some cases, never.
Will you be heading straight down to the local when it reopens? Let us know in the Facebook comments.
News
School bus overturns with motorway closed in both directions
Emergency services, including air ambulance, are in attendance
A coach carrying children from two separate schools has been left on its side following a crash on a major motorway this morning.
The school bus was carrying pupils from Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby School for Girls when the incident happened at around 8am on Friday, September 29th.
A section of the M53 has been closed off in both directions between J5 at Hooton, Cheshire, to J4 at Clatterbridge, in Merseyside. It is believed the bus had struck a reservation on Junction 5 of the motorway.
Calday Grange Grammar School released a statement on its social media page saying: “We are aware of a situation involving one of our school buses on the motorway earlier today.
“We’re actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families.”
North West Ambulance Service has now declared a major incident, saying in a statement: “North West Ambulance Service has declared a major incident following a road traffic collision between a coach and a car on the M53 northbound at approximately 8.30 this morning.
“The trust dispatched a large number of resources to the scene, including ambulances, advances paramedics, our Hazardous Area Response team and a HEMS doctor.
“So far, one female patient has been taken to the hospital, suffering major trauma-related injuries. There are also nearly 50 other patietns being assessed at the scene. We are working closely with our incident partners to convey people away from the scene as quickly as possible.”
Local Councillor Sherin Akhtar, also confirmed the news and said she was ‘aware children are being taken to hospital as a precaution’.
She wrote in a Tweet: “I can confirm and am aware of an accident on the M53 this morning going towards the Wirral/ Birkenhead.
“It involves a Carvers coach ( W3) travelling to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar school for girls.
“Whilst this is a live situation, I would like to assure residents that I am working on their behalf and offer support and will endeavour to update, as soon as possible. I am aware that children are being taken to Arrowe Park as precautionary.”
Merseyside Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that emergency services are on the M53 in Hooton following a collision involving a bus on the motorway.
“Just after 8am we received a report that a bus had struck a reservation on Junction 5 of the M53. Junctions 3-5 of the M53 are closed in both directions.
“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is currently ensuring the safe removal of passengers and the driver, and North West Ambulance Service are at the scene attending to anyone requiring treatment.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes, and we advise people to remain patient while the incident is ongoing. Enquiries are ongoing and updates will be issued as soon as possible.
“Please note this incident is ongoing and we are urging people to refrain from speculating or publishing any sensitive information that could be distressing online or via social media platforms.”
News
Tributes pour in after body of ‘lovely’ missing man found by police
People have been posting their tributes to Charlie online
Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in across social media platforms after the body of a 26-year-old man from Stockport was discovered by police.
Charlie Johnson, 26, was last seen at around 11.30pm in the Cheadle Hulme area of Stockport on Thursday, September 21st.
Greater Manchester Police launched an appeal to the public to help find him but sadly, officers confirmed they had discovered a body on Tuesday, September 26th during the search.
His next of kin have been informed and a file was passed on to the coroner.
Detective Inspector Michael Jimenez, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Charlie’s family at this difficult time, and we have specialist officers in place to support them. Thank you to those who shared our appeals.”
Following the tragic news, tributes have been paid online to honour the life of the ‘superb sportsman’ described by those who knew him as ‘a lovely lad’.
AFC Stockport, who Charlie briefly played for last season, posted on Facebook: “It is with sad news that today we say RIP to Charlie Johnson who briefly played for the club last season.
“Charlie netted 9 goals in 7 appearances for our Rangers team. RIP Charlie – Our thoughts are with your family and friends.”
And Bosden Farm FC, based in Stockport, wrote on their Twitter page: “It is with great sadness we report the news on the passing of Charlie he was a huge part of Bosden Farm and was loved by everyone who met him.
“We will miss him so much. We send our condolences to his friends and family and ask that you respect their privacy at this moment in time.”
Upon hearing the sad news, Mary Brooks-Davies wrote: “Heartbroken. Charlie was such a lovely lad, remember him well when he was at primary school with my daughter. Love and gentlest hugs to his family xxxx.”
In a tribute to Charlie, Badhrul Islam wrote: “Taught him as a lad. Can genuinely say none of my colleagues had a bad word to say.
“PE teachers remember him being a superb sportsman with a great attitude. Really well liked all round. Worked with his dad who was a thoroughly nice man. This is desperately sad news.”
Rachel Taylor wrote: “Thinking of all your family and friends at this sad time, RIP Charlie xx.”
And Callum Lawson wrote: “R.I.P Charlie.”
News
Three Wilko stores in Greater Manchester reopening as Poundland this weekend
Three out of the 10 stores set to reopen this weekend are in Greater Manchester
This weekend, three former Wilko stores will reopen as Poundlands in Greater Manchester.
Following the collapse of Wilko last month, 10 stores are set to reopen as Poundland outlets this weekend, after being bought out by the budget retailer.
Poundland owner Pepco agreed to purchase 71 Wilko stores from administrators PwC earlier this month.
The company plans to rebrand and open them under its own by the end of the year.
Another rival retailer, B&M, bought 51 Wilko stores in a deal of around £5 million, and plans to also reopen them under its own brand.
In Greater Manchester, the three Wilko locations which will be reopening as new Poundland sites are at The Mall on Church Street in Eccles, The Peel Centre, on Great Portwood Street in Stockport, and on Lord Street, in Leigh.
The seven other sites set to reopen this weekend are across Stafford, Nelson, Barking, Southport, Maidenhead, Jarrow and Scunthorpe.
Family-owned company Wilko ran 400 shops and employed around 12,500 staff when it brought in administrators PwC last month. The company, which was founded in 1930, folded under the pressure of cuts in consumer spending, due to the cost-of-living crisis, and debts owed to suppliers.
All Wilko stores will close resulting in thousands of staff redundancies, as its remaining shops shut on October 8th.
Poundland has encouraged Wilko staff to apply for new job roles with its chain and have assured them they will be made a priority.
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