'It's nice to have a chat': Customers welcomed back into Northampton's cafes as lockdown eases

Perspex screens, carefully distanced tables and lots of fresh air is how Northampton's cafes are emerging out of lockdown today to keep customers feeling safe
By Carly Roberts
Published 4th Jul 2020, 16:50 BST
Updated 4th Jul 2020, 16:54 BST
Sisters and waitresses Kerri Burton and Alana Galt of The Sandwich Bar pose for their picture on opening day in Gold Street.Sisters and waitresses Kerri Burton and Alana Galt of The Sandwich Bar pose for their picture on opening day in Gold Street.
Sisters and waitresses Kerri Burton and Alana Galt of The Sandwich Bar pose for their picture on opening day in Gold Street.

Today customers were able to sit down in their favourite coffee shops and cafes as the town eases out of lockdown.

Store manager of Bewitched in the Grosvenor Centre, Kurt Sheppard, spoke to the Chronicle & Echo from behind a perspex screen.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "This is the first day when customers have been allowed to sit in.

Kurt Sheppard reaches for the hand sanitiser in Bewitched.Kurt Sheppard reaches for the hand sanitiser in Bewitched.
Kurt Sheppard reaches for the hand sanitiser in Bewitched.

"It's been quieter than normal but we have seen a big increase in the number of people coming in today. There's a nice atmosphere and it's nice to have a chat and to have people sit down. We have been open for takeaway for two-and-a-half-weeks.

"We have a reduced amount of seating and we can't sit as many people in here like we normally would but as long as there's a seat feel free to come in and sit down."

Family-owned business, The Sandwich Bar in Gold Street, moved from Bridge Street in October after four years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The cafe is run by four members of the same family with a 55-year age gap between nan Francis, 78, and her youngest granddaughter Alana, 23.

Strict queuing measures are in place throughout Bewitched to keep customers apart.Strict queuing measures are in place throughout Bewitched to keep customers apart.
Strict queuing measures are in place throughout Bewitched to keep customers apart.

Kerri Burton, Alana's sister, said: "It's lovely to work together as we are a really close family.

"We have been open for five weeks for takeaway but today is the first day open to sit in. We have had a few of our regulars come in, which is nice.

"Today we are taking people's numbers down for track and trace. Everyone seems already aware of it and they are paying by card, which is really good.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We were scared when we had to read through the 42-page Environment Health document. We were here at 9pm the other night measuring out."

Emanuele De Palma pictured centre with two of his customers in Fish Street.Emanuele De Palma pictured centre with two of his customers in Fish Street.
Emanuele De Palma pictured centre with two of his customers in Fish Street.

Many townsfolk and loyal customers were welcomed back through the doors of Caffe D'Italia's success in Fish Street two weeks ago by boss Emanuele De Palma who was open this morning.

"I'm going to start putting tables and chairs outside on Monday," he said. "I will try and wait and see how it goes.

"I opened in town two weeks ago and there's more people in town now but it gets empty very early. The busiest time is between 10am and 3pm. You can tell people are taking precautions.

"I'm really pleased that I have had customers for 15 years coming back."

Pictures taken by Kirsty Edmonds.

Related topics:Northampton

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.