St Austell confirmed that in addition to its managed houses reopening at the earliest available opportunity, more than 70% of the company’s 147 tenanted pubs would also resume trading on the weekend of 4 July following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s green light.
The brewer and operator confirmed that the remainder of its tenanted estate would be open for business in the weeks ahead.
In keeping with Government guidance for pubs, bars and restaurants, St Austell has introduced a new “Easy Orders” app for customers to pay for food and drink in addition to one-way systems in all of its pubs, safety signage and socially distanced tables both inside and out.
What’s more, customers will be encouraged to pre-book tables, pay by card, and make regular use of sanitising stations throughout pubs.
St Austell’s pub teams will also receive training in cleanliness and hygiene with a team member tasked with cleaning customer touch points – such as door handles, tables and menu displays - regularly throughout trading.
Ensuring authentic pub experience
St Austell becomes the latest operator to earmark hundreds of pub openings for July, with Kent-based brewer and operator Shepherd Neame on course to resume trading at least two thirds (190) of its pubs before the end of July, according to chief executive Jonathan Neame, while Suffolk-based Greene King will open 1,294 of its managed pub estate from 6 July.
“We’ve decided to reopen our managed houses from 4 July and have invested in all of the necessary measures to keep people safe, while ensuring the same authentic pub experience that people have been missing,” Steve Worrall, managing director of St Austell Brewery’s pubs, inns and hotels said.
“Our customers may notice some small differences when they come back and see us, but our usual warm welcome and great hospitality hasn’t changed. Even in these unusual times, we can offer the same delicious food, fresh draught beers and comfortable rooms, for those planning a trip this summer.
“We hope that the safety measures we’ve taken will be a comfort to our guests and provide peace of mind, while they’re taking the time to reconnect with their friends and family.
“We know for so many, pubs play an important role at the very heart of communities. We’re looking forward to welcoming our locals, and visitors to the West Country, back to our pubs next weekend.”