The further reopening of hospitality has been great for our local economy, with early reports that trade has been strong. As pubs, cafes and hotels welcomed back customers and guests this week, business owners have reported encouraging results. However, with concerns and discrepancies, particularly around issues like table service, the Chamber will continue to work with the Executive Office to get greater clarity and guidance on what businesses must do to remain with regulations.

Our businesses have invested a lot of money, time, and energy in making their premises Covid-compliant and continue to adapt flexibly to any new mitigations. With retail also now open, we can now focus on recovery and rebuild our high streets and city centres and it’s important that everyone supports our local traders. Building confidence in our city centres and making them an attractive destination for people to spend time in once again will be our immediate short term task, especially during the busy summer trading period.

Ahead of a (hopefully) sunny bank holiday weekend, it’s likely to be a very busy weekend for our local hospitality businesses. As usual, we would encourage everyone to stay, shop and support local. Our local pubs and restaurants can’t wait to welcome customers back but we would also urge patience and understanding, especially at busy times.

While visiting your favourite pub, restaurant, or café, we would encourage everyone to be as patient and understanding with our local hospitality workers. With many new staff starting, and even more having been on furlough for an extended time, remaining kind and thoughtful towards them will go a long way to helping them settle back into the new normality.

So, over the course of this long weekend, keep supporting local and maybe leave your barman/woman a tip!