Eden business owners say they cannot wait for the lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions from today.
Following confirmation from the Government this week that non-essential retail, pubs, hairdressers and restaurants are among the outlets which will be allowed to reopen, Eden businesses have reported being on the receiving end of a flurry of inquiries, with bookings brisk.
Angela Harvey, who runs Melmerby’s Old Village Bakery cafe and shop with husband Mark, said gazebos had been put up and they were ready to welcome customers back from Monday, with full breakfast and sit-down lunch menus set to be available, and takeaways also on offer.
Mrs Harvey said: “I can’t wait. We are already taking bookings for all next week — with regulars and locals all saying they can’t wait to come and see us.”
Cassandra Lee, the owner of Appleby’s Royal Oak Inn, said: “I’m really excited, we can’t wait to open up again.
“There is a real buzz about. I think people are really excited to get out and be social. It’s been so long since we’ve been able to have fun.
“We’ve been gearing up for a few weeks, we’ve built a beautiful wooden pagoda outside and our managers have all been in cleaning up the premises for opening.”
There is also due to be high demand for hair salons and nail bars throughout Eden, with owners raring to go after getting the green light to open up again in a COVID-secure way.
Cameron Prokas, co-owner with Andrew Wills of BB’s Gents Hair Stylist in Penrith, said: “We don’t see it as a job, it’s something we love doing so we’ve basically had our hobby taken away for four months.
“Our online bookings are full for two weeks and we’re really well prepared with our PPE for reopening.
“People have been messaging us all through lockdown saying they can’t control their hair.
“We’re just excited to make people feel good again.”
Indoor settings must only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households.
In addition, overnight stays away from home in England will be permitted and self-contained accommodation can also reopen, though it must only be used by members of the same household or support bubble.
In further good news, libraries and community centres will also be able to reopen, with Penrith library set to reopen today.
- Our offices will also reopen this morning. People will be able to consult staff members about advertising, paper and photo sales, subscriptions, printing services, and news stories. Advertising manager Vicki Richardson said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming customers back through the doors. Work hasn’t stopped here behind the scenes but it will be lovely to see everybody’s faces again.”
