New images show what every JD Wetherspoon pub will look like once they reopen to the public after lockdown.
The popular pub chain has spent millions preparing for a return to business, with special safety measures expected to be in places for many months after.
July will see the likes of the Cuthbert Broderick, Beckett's Bank and other eight Leeds Wetherspoon pubs open their doors, kitted out with plastic screens surrounding tables and tills, disposable menus and all staff wearing PPE.
The JD Wetherspoon App will be encouraged for orders too, to limit human contact and keep queues down.
How the pubs will look when customers return
Spoons has shared a series of photos from inside of its Covid-secure prototype pub the Mossy Well, in North London, showing just what customers can expect.
Here's the full precautions Spoons has announced:
- Across the business a total of £11m will be invested to introduce safety screens at counters - while two new full time workers will be hired per branch
- All workers will be given gloves, facemasks and protective eyewear
- Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit/debit card and contactless, although cash will be accepted.
- There will be on average 10 hand sanitiser dispensers in each pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use. Guests will be asked to use them when entering.
- There will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement
- The pubs will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible
- Each pub will have a member of staff working full time (two or more staff per pub to cover all opening hours) to sanitise all the contact points during opening hours
- Customers will be encouraged to order through the chain’s app or pay contactless with staff delivering food and drink to tables
- Dedicated staff will monitor the pub at all times in order to maintain social distancing standards and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times
- Every employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work. This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer
Opening hours are expected to remain the same but there is likely to be a slightly reduced menu on offer to customers.
We'll bring you more information on the return of pubs in Leeds and Yorkshire when we have further details.
