Dobbies’ restaurant to reopen in Cambridgeshire

Following updated guidance from the UK Government that restaurants may reopen, leading retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, will open its restaurants in Peterborough and Huntingdon.

The news comes after Dobbies reopened its 68 stores across the UK in May, with strict social distancing measures in operation.

In the next phase of easing restrictions, customers will be welcomed into the newly refurbished Huntingdon restaurant and new coffee shop for the first time.

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive of Dobbies, said: “The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies number one priority, which is why we have introduced the new role of Safety Champion. Not only do we want customers to feel safe, but we want them to have an enjoyable experience.”

A number of additional social distancing measures have been put in place for the opening of both restaurants.

The Safety Champion will be solely responsible for ensuring all measures are being followed, on hand to answer any questions and ensure all team members and customers feel safe at all times. In line with Government guidance, team members will be required to collect contact information from customers for NHS Test and Trace.

Tables and chairs have been laid out to ensure there is a safe space between diners. Self-service coffee machines will not be in use, but baristas will be on hand to serve hot drinks.

Dobbies will also be continuing with rigorous hygiene routines, with all trays and tables sanitised after use. In Peterborough, which is counter service, there is a dedicated food collection area and food will be supplied with a cover. Cutlery will be wrapped direct from the dishwasher, supplied direct to the customer.

The restaurant has also taken additional steps when working with suppliers, with contact free and sanitised deliveries.

“We look forward to welcoming customers into our Cambridgeshire restaurants and would like to thank our team members and customers for following the measures we have implemented,” said Mr Jenkins.

The business says the new 350 cover restaurant at Huntingdon “raises the bar” for the standard and quality of facilities found in the garden centre sector.

Customers will be able to enjoy their favourite cakes, pastries and scones in the restaurant and coffee shop, as well as a host of new additions to the menu, including pea and mint risotto, a roast dinner served in a giant Yorkshire pudding and even a mac and cheese toastie. The menu will also include a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a dedicated kids’ menu with lower salt and sugar options.

Barry Perkins, director at parent company ISG’s retail business, commented: “The investment Dobbies is making in Huntingdon highlights the company’s absolute focus on placing customer experience at the heart of its retail offer. Our collaboration is bringing new standards of quality design, innovation and delivery excellence to the garden centre sector, helping drive footfall and adding to the destination shopping formula that is at the core of the Dobbies’ ethos.”

Dobbies continues to follow Government guidelines across the stores, with a limited number of customers permitted at one time. A queuing system remains in operation outside the stores, with one metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations are available at the store entrances.

Protective screens remain installed at tills and customers are asked to pay with card or contactless. Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members who are also receiving training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe, with rigorous hygiene routines continuing throughout the stores.