Southport’s pubs and bars are all waiting for news on when – and how – they can reopen safely.
Venues across our town were among businesses which were ordered to close when the Coronavirus outbreak saw cases spiked in March.
Since then many have been using the opportunity to carry out maintenance work ready for the day they open their doors, as well as doing what they can to keep in touch with their regular customers.
They include The Guelder Rose, on Marine Drive.
The Marston’s pub, famous for its roast carveries, enjoys stunning views of Southport Beach and Southport Pier.
This week staff have been socially distancing while sprucing up the building in the hope or welcoming people back soon.
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If coronavirus cases continue to fall, then the industry hopes to see pubs, restaurants and hotels allowed to open at least in some form from the start of July.
Guelder Rose manager Clare Rankin said: “We are doing ok. We are just waiting for a date when we can reopen.
“We have been busy this week with lots of painting and jet washing going, making our pub look nice.
“We all just want to get back to it. We’re loving following Stand Up For Southport, it’s a great idea!
“We are all good. We socially distanced outside to do painting etc. I am keeping busy cleaning.
“We have 180 seats ready for outside opening but at the minute no plans have been shared for what we could do inside, as we are waiting to hear about any planned Government regulations.
Staff at The Guelder Rose in Southport are getting the pub ready for reopening
“We have 25 of us raring to go! We have had a lovely rest but we all miss the job so much.”
During the break Clare and her team have been keeping in touch with their many regulars in a variety of ways.
Many customers have taken to following The Guelder Rose Facebook page – so much so that it is nearing 10,000 Followers.
Clare said: “We have hundreds of regulars! We have enjoyed keeping in touch via Facebook.
“They constantly message, asking how we are, and we even get the odd phone call if I’ve popped into the office from regulars who want to know if we are ok.”
Clare is urging people to Like the Guelder Rose Facebook page to help them pass the 10,000 mark.
And she is wondering whether they have the biggest social media following of the pubs in Southport.
She said: “We have had a good look and we can’t see any others with this level of Facebook friends. I would love to see if anyone else can beat that? Maybe it can become a bit of a friendly competition!
“We can’t wait to get our doors open again!”
You can Follow The Guelder Rose Facebook page here.
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