Harrogate bar pledges to stay open for customers - but it's still safety first during coronavirus crisis

Rooster's, which recent won six national prizes in the SIBA award,s only opened its large and popular taproom less than a year ago as part of its new £800,000 brewery expansion at Hornbeam Park.

The successful family firm is keen to follow Government instructions in what is a quickly changing picture during the coronavirus lockdown nationwide as social interaction becomes virtually outlawed.

But it says It means the world to them that its customers are continuing to support them through what is a very challenging time and, for the moment, the Rooster's team still trying to serve loyal customers.

And, like some other Harrogate independent businesses, it is also to launch an online delivery service to tide beer lovers over during the long weeks of the crisis.

A spokesperson for Rooster's said: "While we continue to monitor what is a constantly evolving situation, we want to confirm that our Hornbeam Park Taproom will remain open as normal, from Wednesday through to Sunday, with our weekly, Wednesday quiz and pie night still in place.

"The kitchen will also remain open as usual on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

"This isn’t a decision we have taken lightly. Indeed, it’s one that, as a responsible, family-owned business, we have given a great deal of thought to over the last 24 hours, with our employees and customers front of mind.

"We want to stress that, should the Government Issue a clear instruction for pubs, bars and taprooms like ours to close, we will of course follow such instruction to the letter.

"The safety and well-being of our team and our loyal customers is and always will be our number one priority, and we continue to apply a comprehensive range of measures, highlighted below, to ensure we maintain the very highest possible hygiene standards.

"It means the world to us that our customers are continuing to support us through what is a very challenging time and we can’t thank you all enough."

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Hygiene measures at Rooster's

1. The Taproom undergoes a regular deep clean and all surfaces, door handles and light switches are wiped with an antibacterial chemical spray as regularly as possible.

2. Hand sanitiser is provided in the lobby, on the way into the Taproom, as well as hand washing guidelines in each of the restrooms and we kindly ask that you regularly wash your hands while with us. Additional hand sanitiser is also available at the bar; please ask a staff member if you require any.

3. We’re moving away from accepting cash until further notice. Card / contactless payments only for the time being.

4. The Taproom is a large space, so we encourage customers to make the most of it, including the paved area of the beer garden, where possible, in order to not crowd particular areas. With social distancing in mind, we also reserve the right to deny entry, as a last resort, if the Taproom becomes close to capacity.

5. With this in mind and as a general reminder to anyone intending to join us with their children, the Taproom is not a playground!

In order to protect the welfare of everyone who chooses to enjoy a drink with us, we are insisting that all children remain supervised, under control and seated with their parents at all times and thank you for your cooperation.

6. "Staff will be issued with disposable gloves to be worn while glass collecting and handling used glassware.

"We’re constantly monitoring what is an evolving situation and we will post any changes to taproom opening hours on our blog and social media platforms."

Rooster's taproom opening hours at Hornbeam Park, (as they currently stand)

Wednesday: 4pm - 10pm

Thursday: 4pm - 10pm

Friday: 12pm - 10pm

Saturday: 12pm - 10pm

Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

Rooster's new online delivery service

In addition, we recognise that many of you will be enjoying beer in your own home at the moment and we want to make sure that you can still continue to do this.

With this in mind, we plan to launch a home-delivery service over the coming days, so that people can still get hold of their favourite Rooster's beers.

Initially, this will cover areas in and around Harrogate, Leeds and York, with free delivery for orders over £20 and 10% off orders over £50. To place an order, please call 01423 865959, selecting option 4 and then option 1.

Take outs (prices match the web shop) and growler fills (20% off draught price) are also available from the taproom, while our web shop also allows for orders our cans to be either collected from the brewery or taproom, or be delivered further afield by courier.

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