Welsh pubs prepare for grand indoor reopening
Access to indoor hospitality is something that many people took for granted before coronavirus – now its return is one of the most eagerly-awaited steps on the road back to normality.
Welsh people hope to take that step next Monday, May 17. First Minister Mark Drakeford, fresh from a resounding electoral success, is expected to make it official this Friday.
Among those champing at the bit to welcome customers back indoors is Darren Ellis-Whitelegg, licensee at The Horshoes Inn in Berriew, near Welshpool.
"We can't wait. We're already ready," he said.
"We've done a lot of work inside, we've sanded down all our tables and stripped them back to the wood that was underneath. We've just had a bit of a tidy-up."
The pub has been serving outdoors in recent weeks which has provided a welcome boost, although it has highlighted the reliance on good weather.
Certainty
"We had a great day and a good first week. The rain held us off on one day which is understandable, it's all weather-dependent.
"But this week has been a bit of a nightmare with the weather... and the bank holiday. Opening indoors will give us an opportunity to bring people in, sit them down – it gives us the certainty that we will be open rather than getting halfway through the day then realising you will have to close because of the weather.
"It brings us that certainty. Staff know that they'll be working for the whole shift."
Having the availability of indoor service again also provides a simple numerical advantage – there are more tables and more seats for punters to sit and enjoy the hospitality, hopefully meaning more profits.
"It will make a difference definitely – I've just done the [calculations] and we can sit up to 49 indoors socially distanced. That is perfect, the same as we did last year.
"That means we've got that extra 49 on top of the 96 covers we can seat outdoors.
"I know lots of people haven't been booking outdoors because they don't like the idea of eating outdoors, especially if the weather can change, that is fair enough.
"I'm certainly looking forward to seeing all my regulars again."
Vaccination
Like millions of other people involved in the hospitality trade, he fervently hopes that the current lockdown we are emerging from is the last of its kind, backed by the success of the UK's vaccination programme.
"I do hope it's the last lockdown. I certainly know the vaccination program is going really well.
"In Newtown they're doing amazingly there. Some of my staff have had their second doses, some have had their first... I've had my first one.
"It makes you feel safer."
As well as pubs and cafes, it is expected that entertainment venues like cinemas and casinos will reopen next week.
Indoor attractions like museums and stately homes are also included.
