Restaurants and bars with outdoor seating say bookings are at unprecedentedly high levels before a possible reopening next Monday, with people eager not to miss their first chance to eat out since lockdown was imposed.
Some venues have invested vast amounts of money to accommodate guests outside before the governmentâs planned reopening of outdoor hospitality on 12 April if the coronavirus data allows it. Punch Pubs, for example, invested £1m in its beer gardens and outside spaces.
Restaurants, pubs and bars are seeing a surge in interest, with many taking thousands of bookings in 24 hours.
But Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said many pubs opening their beer gardens would not make a profit. âThose who open are those who are desperate to reconnect to customers ⦠provide that vital meeting point for people [â¦] in more isolated areas,â she said. âIt will be loss-making but businesses are making preparations to get back to what they do best.â