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The Adapted Covid-19 Pub / Restaurant

The government's plan for exiting the coronavirus lockdown targeted the 4th July as the earliest date from which the hospitality sector could start to reopen. Some pubs and restaurants remained open during lockdown for limited takeaway orders. This however has not been economically viable for most pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants and in some cases not possible at all. The biggest challenge stems from accommodating the social distancing rules, as these establishments tend to be based on high turnover, low margin models.  Another key factor that we are facing is the public’s confidence to return safely, in high numbers. We have spent the last 3 months practicing social distancing and adapting to hygienic safety measures, so we will need to be confident that each social environment is 100% Covid-compliant.

In line with  The Adapted Covid-19 Compliant Office and The Adapted Covid-19 Compliant Hair Salon (featuring on our office furniture website Office Reality) we have created The Adapted Covid-19 Compliant Pub or Restaurant taking in to account the measures which have been discussed and developed by government officials and professionals from the hospitality industry.

Pub & restaurant layout pre Covid-19 pandemic by Cafe Reality
Pub & restaurant layout post Covid-19 pandemic by Cafe Reality

So, what can we expect?

On arrival and prior to entering, you may be greeted by a member of staff who will be known as a ‘Pub Host’. Their role will be to welcome customers, show them to their tables and manage queues. There may also be a member of staff known as the ‘Pub Safe Monitor’ who will be responsible for maintaining levels of hygiene to keep customers safe. The Pub Safe Monitor will also be a clear point of contact for customers or members of staff who wish to raise any concerns surrounding hygiene levels.

Staff wearing masks and gloves

If British pubs follow the lead of other European establishments that have already reopened their doors; Pub Hosts, Pub Safe Monitors and other members of staff may be wearing facemasks. You may also expect to see bar staff wearing latex gloves when it comes to pouring pints or making cocktails.

Contactless ordering using apps

To minimize congestion at the bar, customers may be encouraged to order food and drink via an app on their mobile phones. This has already been implemented by Wetherspoons, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and has proven to be extremely successful. The Hungrrr app is one example which allows customers with an iPhone or android phone to order food and drinks without leaving their seat.

A reduction of tables and chairs, creating more space

In order to manage social distancing, existing restaurant furniture, Café tables and dining chairs will be reduced, reconfigured and spaced out. Some pubs are claiming that they will not be able to survive if the 2 meter rule is adhered too and are lobbying that it is reduced to 1 meter – the current distance advised by the WHO (World Health Organisation).

An increase in al fresco dining, outdoor furniture, and market style food stalls

In response to managing social distancing effectively in pubs and restaurants, government ministers are drawing up plans to relax outdoor seating licenses within weeks. This potentially could entail closing some roads to allow for extra tables and chairs to be utilized and lifting some pavement restrictions. Your local high street may soon resemble the al fresco cafes and bars in Spain, France or Italy. We hope the weather holds! We have a vast range of outdoor furniture to help with increasing table numbers in the sunshine or a parasol in case it rains!

An Increase in Protective Floor Screens

During the beginning stages of lockdown, many architects and interior designers created conceptual ideas of work establishments, schools, pubs, cafes, and restaurants post lockdown. Some of these ideas were quite alarming, featuring clinical looking acrylic or glass screens at every turn or point of contact. Suppliers and manufacturers are now designing and manufacturing screens that are ‘warm’ and ‘friendly’, with rustic wood or leather panels ideal for the hospitality industry. Our Protect Express Protection Screens feature a black frame and lower panel in a choice of MarbleOak, Rustic Wood or Chesterfield leather effect which will compliment several different environments.

Hospitality Screens for Pubs and Restaurants

Another type of screen that has been popular is the Future Protection Mobile Goal Post screen and Protect Floor Standing Wooden Goal Post Screen. These screens are lightweight as the lower area remains open, almost halving the weight of a standard full panel screen and allowing for wrapped cutlery, condiments, or single use menus to be passed through if necessary.  This is a suitable lightweight solution for when you need to configure spaces or seating areas quickly and easily. The wheeled castor feet mean they can effortlessly be pushed along.

Example of Pub Seating Area Pre Covid-19 by cafe reality
 
Example of Mobile Screen to separate diners safely
 

A one-way system

It is likely that customers will have to follow a one-way system and will not be allowed to leave through the entrance, only through clearly marked exit points. Toilets may also adopt a one in, one out policy, potentially utilizing a traffic light system.

These changes will be introduced in most pubs and restaurants that are reopening their doors from 4th July. Some pubs and restaurants have carried out trial runs to see if the new safety measures are workable. We hope that these measures will not detract from the overall feel of the pub or dining experience.  Those restaurants and pubs which can adapt to the new environment quickly and easily should be able to recreate the ‘pub and dining experience’ without too much compromise.

 

 

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