Portsmouth restaurants stepping 'into the unknown' ahead of reopening
RESTAURANT owners are cautiously optimistic about their reopening this weekend.
On Saturday, July 4, restaurants will join pubs, bars and hairdressers in opening their doors back to customers.
Social distancing measures will be in place at every venue, but some owners say the guidelines issued by the government have been somewhat vague.
Instead, they’ve had to think on their feet to ensure that their restaurants are as safe as possible.
James Stone from Bangerz ‘n’ Brewz in Victoria Road South, Southsea, says restaurateurs must ensure customers are as safe as possible.
He said: ‘We are still working through the guidelines at the moment, to make sure we have everything in place.
‘Things are going to be very different when we reopen – we’re running on table bookings only and will have just half the number of tables.
‘But I think it’ll be a more relaxed environment for us than for the pubs; that is where Portsmouth is going to be the busiest.’
The restaurant is also going to be using paper menus, which will be thrown away after each meal, and wooden cutlery.
At The Akash in Elm Grove, Southsea, measures have also been taken in the interests of public safety.
He said: ‘It’s weird to think that we’ll be serving tables with gloves and face masks on – I never would have imagined that happening.
‘We’ve had a lot of bookings come in which is great, but we want to make sure everyone is safe.
‘Everyone is going into the unknown somewhat this weekend, so we just have to be sensible and do what we can for our customers.
‘To me, this is more than a business – our customers are like family members and we’ve missed them so much.’
Pie and Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea, will be opening for takeaway orders on the door on Saturday, but won't be opening the restaurant side just yet.
Owner Steve Courtnell said: ‘There is a lot to do before we can reopen fully, so we have to put safety first.
‘But we look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.’