More Peterborough restaurants to open before the weekend

Nick Rutta owner and chef at Embe on Cowgate.

The likes of The Cherry House at Werrington, and The Chubby Castor at Castor opened for the first time last night, and others will return this weekend.

Nick Rutta will open his Embe Afro-Caribbean restaurant, in Cowgate in the city centre, tomorrow (Friday).

He decided to take an extra week to see how things worked out across the city and prepare the restaurant before diners get to sit down to his soul food once more.

Goretti Lobato at Mattoni Restaurant at Hampton EMN-171101-223843009

He said he has had to spread the tables out but has also set up the first floor restaurant space to cater for bigger, family bookings.

“I decided not to open on July 4 to concentrate on getting ready, and I even stopped doing takeaways and collections so everything would be right,” he said.

“I have put in electronic hand sanitisers, it will be bookings only, and ordering will be by an app. I will be opening Monday to Saturday, lunch to dinner, but will more than likely close a little earlier than usual in the evening.

“It is different but it will just be great to see customers back in the restaurant again. I can’t wait.”

Rinaldo Fasulo watering the flowers outside his Pizza House in Cowgate, which opened on Saturday.

Also opening tomorrow are pub/restaurants The Blue Bell at Glinton, and Pack Horse at Northborough and Homme Nouveau restaurant at Whittlesey.

The Bluebell at Werrington opens today but in the short term at least will open Thursday to Sunday, with the kitchen open every day.

Goretti Lobato admits to being a little nervous but excited before opening her Mattoni restaurants in Hampton Vale and Eye last weekend.

“For the first hour (on Saturday) we were just anxious to see how the evening would go and what people’s reactions and expectations would be. We soon felt at ease as we were confident we had everything in place for everyone’s safety but also enjoyment.

“All of our lovely regulars had booked in and although we could only give a ‘virtual hug’ it was a fantastic successful evening.

“Sunday was the same, busy all day. We couldn’t be happier

“As long as restaurants and pubs have all safety measures in place then it’s as safe as can be and enjoyable at the same time.”

Rinaldo Fasulo, who owns Pizza House in Cowgate, was also pleased with how things had gone this week.

“So far, so good,” he said. “We opened on Saturday and it was very, very busy.

“It isn’t like before the coronavirus lockdown but we are getting there.”