The Lapstone, Horton Heath, photo credit: Carl Maskelyne Russ Kitching, the owner of the Lapstone in Horton Heath and also the owner of Chandler’s Ford drinks distribution company, Thirstee Business has made calls for clearer directions on staff isolation. He said: “It’s an absolute nightmare. We’ve just got over furlough and we’re trying to recover from that and preparing to repay bounce back loans and now we get a massive spike in pinging. “One minute we’re planning to expand and to open up and the next we’ve got staffing issues. Its probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced operationally.
PUBS have spoken out after experiencing an increased number of no-shows since reopening. As of April 12, pubs and restaurants have been allowed to open for outdoor service only for the first time in months after coronavirus restrictions were eased. But now, several pubs have said they have lost money due to people booking tables but not showing up. At The Lapstone in Horton Heath, owner Russ Kitching claimed that 15 per cent of bookings last weekend didn t show up despite bringing in live music for those two days.
The Lapstone, Horton Heath, photo credit: Carl Maskelyne Russ said: It s not good. Some people just block book and don t support. We take 50% of our turnover at weekends and that s when a no-show can be quite damaging.
CITY firms say their are delighted after an incredible number of people flocked to Southampton for the first weekend since pubs and non-essential shops reopened. Basked in sunshine, the city centre bustled with shoppers, pub goers, and those heading for a long overdue haircut, with some stores seeing long queues snaking around Above Bar Street. Both Westquay and Marlands Shopping Centres saw eager shoppers lining up outside their favourite stores. Giles Semper, Executive Director of the Southampton BID said there were incredible numbers of people in Southampton . He says that the city was overwhelmed with footfall on Monday - when non-essential retailers reopened - and again at the weekend.
HAMPSHIRE pubs have said they are encouraged by the Prime Minister s roadmap out of lockdown as they prepare to open in April. On Monday, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson revealed his plans as the country emerges from a third national lockdown announcing that pubs will be able to open outside from April 12 with drinkers allowed inside again from May 17. Pubs have now come out in support of the plans as they look to recover financially from the affects of the pandemic. Daniel Morgan, who owns The Good Companion in Eastleigh was previously cautious about the prospect of just serving outside, but now said he s positive that there is a thought out plan, and is preparing to open in the most cost affective way.
A LEADING trade association, representing the countries brewers and pubs predicts 60 percent of all UK pubs will remain closed if outdoor service only is permitted in April. The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) says this is because the majority do not have a big enough garden or outdoor space to re-open just outside. It believes 29,000 UK pubs will remain closed if just outdoor service is allowed and in Southampton, 81 out of its 135 could stay shut. This comes after speculation in the industry that pubs won t be allowed to re-open fully when restrictions are eased, and instead will have to operate outdoor only at first.