A popular student haunt has stopped customers dining in after Nottingham was announced as the country's worst affected area for new coronavirus cases.
Teresa Broniewska, who has run Warsaw Diner for 18 years, said it was with regret that she's made the decision but added: "We are jumping before we were pushed" amidst fears that restaurants and pubs might have to close if tougher lockdown restrictions come into play next week.
Leaked documents revealed restrictions will be announced on Monday, October 12, coming into effect from Wednesday, October 14.
Mrs Broniewska said: "We have made that decision in advance of anything else that may transpire with Covid. With the number of cases in this area being so high it's important we protect our staff and everybody else.
"After yesterday's announcement about Lenton's student areas being so rife, we said that's what we have got to do - literally close down to sit-down diners."
After reopening in July when lockdown restrictions were lifted the restaurant, in Derby Road, Canning Circus, reduced its capacity from 40 to 15 and stopped diners from sitting at the counter. Screens were installed between the booths.
From this weekend anyone wanting one of the Warsaw Diner's American breakfasts will have to order online for collection from outside the restaurant or delivery.
"We have almost been back to normal business in the last two or three weeks with the students back in town and spending. It's not a decision we have taken lightly but we've just had to do it.
"It's disappointing but this is not going to go away. We'll just have to see how it pans out," Mrs Broniewska added.
