Covid restrictions have killed Christmas trade, says Peterborough chef who is closing his restaurant for festive period

Damian Wawrzyniak had already made the decision not to open  his House of Feasts pub-restaurant at Eye Green, Peterborough, from December 21-27 before the government announced its new post-lockdown tier system today.

Peterborough was placed in Tier 2, which means restaurants and pubs - which serve substantial meals rather than snacks - can open from December 2, subject to other Covid measures.

”I just cannot see any Christmas trade with all the restrictions placed on groups and families mixing,” he said. “There won’t be any functions or parties making bookings.

”It is crazy because with all the measures in place, restaurants are one of the safest places you can go when you leave the house - much safer than supermarkets or garden centres which are open.

”It just does not look good. For me December in the restaurant is as good as over, I am planning January.

”So I have already decided I won’t be opening from December 21 to 27. I will close the doors and will enjoy my first Christmas Day with my family for 20 years.”

Damian, who has diversified during lockdown, added: “We will continue to do takeaways, the deli will be open and I have 1,000 Christmas boxes ordered from the online shop which I have to send out.

”Planning for next year is more important than ever. I fear as many as 70 per cent of pubs and restaurants could close.”

Read how city restaurants are preparing to reopen on December 2 HERE

Read city pub bosses’ anger at Tier 2 HERE