Popular Northampton tapas restaurant can finally reopen as chef’s quarantine ends

A popular Northampton restaurant will finally be able to reopen once again after what the owner has described as a ‘comedy of errors’.

La Terraza Tapas Bar off Weedon Road in Upton was due to reopen at the start of August to coincide with the beginning of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.However, the authentic Spanish tapas restaurant has had to remain closed for a further two weeks as the chefs were unable to return to work.

One chef was in Spain visiting family when new quarantine rules were introduced, so he had to self-isolate for 14 days.

The other chef broke her knee cap in a mountain biking accident, rendering her unable to run the kitchen.

But now the two week quarantine period is up and the team is ready to welcome customers again when doors are opened this evening (August 11).

Owner of the restaurant, Kellie Griffin, said: “It’s been a comedy of errors really.

“We were due to open at the start of the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme, but my chef was in Spain and was due back the Saturday before.

“Then he found out he had to quarantine, so he couldn’t come back to work.

“But I thought we might be able to work round this with our other chef, but then she rang to say she’d broken her knee cap while mountain biking.

“My chef who was quarantining can come back to work now, so that’s why we can finally reopen.”

A number of special measures have been implemented to make sure customers feel safe when the doors are opened again.

Kellie added: “We are taking it really seriously, so all our tables are at least a metre apart from each other and we will not be doing bar service as we’re only a small restaurant.

“We will ask customers to only leave their tables if they need the toilet and all the staff will be wearing masks.

“Tables have to be pre-booked online as that’s also how we are getting our Track and Trace information.”

Ahead of the long-awaited reopening, Kellie has said she is excited but also has some concerns.

“I’m slightly apprehensive, especially with the talk of a local lockdown, but I’m really looking forward to seeing our lovely customers,” she continued.

“It will be good to get back to doing something, as I don’t know if I’m coming or going, so I am excited.”

As customers are welcomed back, the Government discount scheme will be in place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as the restaurant does not open on a Monday.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, a takeaway option will also be available and can be ordered online.

Key workers who received vouchers from the restaurant earlier on in lockdown can now also start to book tables to redeem their vouchers.

Visit the restaurant’s website to pre-book a table, find out how to order a takeaway and view the opening hours.

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