More Northampton pubs reveal how and when they will open now they have been given the go-ahead

Many businesses across Northampton have now been given the green light to reopen as lockdown restrictions are lifted, including pubs.

From Saturday July 4, pubs are allowed to open to the public, as long as several guidelines are met and the premises are Covid-safe, which means it is not quite as simple as allowing punters to pick up where they left off.

Pubs have spent weeks working out how and when they can safely reopen and many have already spoken out about how this will work.Now several more food and drink establishments have issued statements on their social media pages to tell customers how the new normal will look, including the Old White Hart, The Mailcoach and The Trumpet.

The Old White Hart in Far Cotton released a number of rules, which include booking a table for a two-hour time slot of a maximum of six people from the same household or four if the customers are from different households.

Customers will be met by a host at the rear garden car park gate and will be asked to show ID so that details can be taken to comply with the NHS track and trace systems.

Orders will be made via text message and the toilets will operate as a one-way system.

A statement from the pub says: “Please remember that we are all learning, bear with us at this strange time, we will be doing things here by the book as best we can in order for everyone to feel as safe and comfortable as possible so please try to support us in doing so.

“These rules are absolutely subject to change as soon as we are able to (and we hope it is soon!)

“They are a temporary fix but each rule has been put in place for a reason on the guidance we have been given.

“Anyone found not adhering to these rules or giving staff a hard time over it will not be tolerated and will be asked to leave the venue.”

To read the full list of rules, visit the pub’s Facebook page.

The Mailcoach in Derngate has also asked customers to be patient while they adapt to a new way of trading, as well as releasing a list of rules that punters need to obey.

These include booking in advance, providing details for test and trace, a three-hour booking slot, a maximum booking of six people, ordering on the app or one guest from each table being allowed to the bar and a one at a time toilet system.

A statement from the pub said: “We’ve been working for the last couple of weeks to get the place ready for the new world we are about to enter.

“We will need your help to keep the pub a safe and happy environment, and appreciate this may be challenging to begin with.

“Myself and my team are all facing the challenge together, and we look forward to having you join us on this and welcoming you back.”

Visit the Mailcoach’s Facebook page to read the full list of rules.

Finally, The Trumpet in Wellingborough Road confirmed that they will not reopen next Saturday (July 4).

Instead the pub will open its doors for the first time in three months on Monday July 6.

A statement posted to its Facebook page said: “Upon reflection the company has decided that we are now going to be opening on July 6.

“After consideration they have realised going forward that opening on a Saturday would not be best practice.

“We know many of our customers will be disappointed after not being able to visit us for three months and we are looking forward to welcoming all our valued customers back.

“One of our values is that we care and we want to make it as safe for our team and customers as we can.”

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