Restaurants report busy first day back but no big queues

The city centre was busy with queues at many restaurants and hair salons but was far from overcrowded as businesses re-opened for the first time since lockdown measures were eased.

At Turtle Bay one of the staff told us the new distancing systems and seating arrangements had been effective: “It’s as busy as w’ed have expected,” she said.

“Everything has gone very well. Customers have been fine with everything... it has worked perfectly.”

At Middletons, manager Simona Iorescu said:“Actually it’s been really wonderful. Coming from the hard work of trying to make everything perfect it has been great.

“We are getting on with the new way of working and it has been unexpectedly good.

“We had quite a good flow for lunch and everyone was impressed with the measurements and the space we had left.

“We had no complaints, everyone seemed to feel comfortable.

“Some wanted to go on the terrace and have a drink which was nice. We thought people might be a bit reluctant, but it feels like we have got our community back.

“We have had some of our regulars in, but loads of new faces as well and families with kids which has been lovely.

“After all the hard work we put into it, from the team’s and the guests’ point of view we are pleased. There wil be more hurdles I expect, but we are pleased so far.”

At the Solstice, general manager Peter Bell said the preparations had paid off.

“It’s been really good,” he said. “I had a walk around town and I think it’s fair to say the mass move into the city centre hasn’t happened.

“But places are still busy and it is really exciting being open.

“We have had great great fun with staff on training this week and staff are really keen to be back.

“Everyone is having a good time and enjoying the waitress service. We have had over 100 so far and it is getting even busier.

“We have worked hard in the last few weeks after discussions with police and the local authorities and mapped out our table plan.

“We will take walk-ins but, with a reduced capacity, we pushed online bookings really hard allowing people to do the track and trace online.

“We had never done bookings that way before and it has gone through the roof.

“Although we are allowing people to turn up and walk in if we have capacity we have had up to 60% through booking system.

“I think there is an air of caution around the city and some places are not open yet.

“Overall it’s really good, it’s been a nice easy start and it has got a lot busier. The preparations and training have really paid off and I’m really pleased.”