New one metre social distancing rule is a 'game changer' for Harrogate pubs and bars, says hotel manager

Pubs, hairdressers, cinemas and restaurants to reopen from July 4 as lockdown rules eased

The news is music to a lot of ears in Harrogate's hospitality sector, as many were eagerly awaiting the announcement.

One of those is HRH Group's Managing Director Simon Cotton, who runs the White Hart and Yorkshire Hotel, as well as the Fat Badger pub, who says his phone has already been inundated with messages asking to book a table.

He said: "I'm over the moon that we've heard the Prime Minister announce that we can get hospitality businesses back up and running as of a week on Saturday.

"I was watching the announcement live and my phone immediately lit up with people in our industry sharing the great news with excitement. The phone then started pinging with texts and messages asking if people could book tables at the Fat Badger so this clearly means as much to the public desperate to get out, as it does ourselves being desperate to open."

"The social distancing measures being reduced to one metre to coincide with opening day is a Godsend as this will be a game changer, especially for many businesses in Harrogate with smaller premises who were understandably worried about the impact the two metre rule would have had upon opening up."

Businesses across the district are now putting things in place for the confirmed reopening date, with many posting on social media about their plans and opening up for bookings.

But amid the exciting news, there is one thing that no-one can predict - the weather, which could put a dampner on plans to open up outdoor spaces.

Mr Cotton added: "My only hope now is that the Great British weather plays its part and gives us a nice weekend to open up to as we'll be wanting to make maximum use of our excellent outdoor space and fit as many customers in as would like to come, safely.

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"I can't explain how excited I am about next weekend, I've got that feeling inside like you get when you're about to start your first day in a new job, or waiting for the arrival of a baby - honestly I am that giddy!"

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