Working our way through the gears, steadily getting there whilst naturally maintaining a cautious approach. Anxious to avoid any unnecessary accidents and fines but frustrated by the fact that the goons in Government cannot bear to let go, permit us to ply our trade so that we can all just get on with it.
We’ve already completed the “mental health coffee and perhaps a picnic” phase, progressed to the two household al fresco rule seven days a week - we consider a table of 4 at peak times to be our limit for now, thanks. Next stage is alcohol permitted outdoors from Monday 12th April before we’re allowed to offer tables inside from Monday 17th May with all our usual sensible precautions.
Incredible that hospitality is still considered neither an essential nor a non-essential business. But as a leading but leaderless industry if we don’t kick back we only have ourselves to blame, which is why Bartellas will continue to show the others how it can be done.
So much for the levelling up of the High Street with the supermarkets including Jeff’s sheds at Amazon. “Uppermost in our minds” we were told by Rishi and his mates budget time but with the hospitality VAT rate for food returning to 20% with supermarkets remaining at 0% along with not-fit-for-purpose business rates reintroduced from July, I really don’t think so.
As for Covid passports for entry to hospitality venues and the threat of a £1k fine for me if I let in non-passport holders, it seems to have escaped the “experts” that all of my staff are far too young and fit for even a first vaccine. I’m running a neighbourhood restaurant not an unpaid law enforcement agency.
Reservations, though are highly and thankfully encouraging whilst we continue to rehearse and refine our procedures and protocols. Our à la carte “kickstart” menu is already on the website to be enhanced most weeks. Takeaway service continues every day of the week with same day service by telephone. Father's Day menu is also available for dine in, with a maximum of 6 people by then, please.
Great to witness Meopham Medical Practice continuing to do their stuff so admirably, which has doubtless raised the levels of optimism throughout Meopham and our surrounding villages.
We have managed to weather the absolute worst even with all the rubbish thrown our way, to have emerged stronger and more appreciative of you all who have supported us and played your part over the last year. You can be assured of a very warm welcome when we see you soon.
Salute!
Ian Ian@bartellas.com
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