Southport’s pubs and restaurants remain open – and they offer a warm welcome to customers.
They have made huge efforts to ensure that premises are Covid safe so that diners can enjoy their meals in comfort.
And they want people to know that you can just call in for a coffee or a soft drink – you only need to order a ‘substantial meal’ if you are ordering alcohol.
New Tier 3 restrictions came into force in Southport and across the Liverpool City Region on 14th October, which require bars not able to serve ‘substantial meals’ to close temporarily.
However the vast majority of pubs and restaurants in Southport have remained open, and are inviting people to call in and enjoy a meal out.
Clare Rankin is the Manager of The Guelder Rose on Marine Drive in Southport, next to Ocean Plaza.
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The pub enjoys beautiful views across towards Southport Pier and Southport Beach, as well as a children’s play area and extensive outdoor seating – the perfect place to enjoy a break from the stress of everything Covid related, especially during Half Term.
The good news is that famous Guelder Rose carvery is still available for anyone who loves roast dinners.
And for anyone in a hurry, the venue is operating a Click and Collect service. Just order through the website and your order will be ready to collect from the pub when you arrive.
Clare said: “We need to let people know we are open!
“We have removed tables and chairs to maintain social distancing. There are paper menus, spacing dots and arrows.
“We have a giant glass screen in front of the deck which means the guests can still point out what they want plating up to the chef and can have as much as they like and can carry it back to the table.
“We have sanitisers on doors and every hour every touch point is sanitised throughout.
“We need guests to keep turning up.
“Under Tier 3 we have gone from 1,000 guests a day through the doors in August to 40 a day in October if we are lucky. We just have no tourists coming into town, or near the beach.
“It’s safe to eat out with family from one household.
“We had a team of 28, we are now down to 15, and we need a half-full restaurant to stay open through the winter.”
The Guelder Rose is looking forward to what has traditionally been an incredibly busy festive season.
Clare said: “Our Christmas menus are on our website, while our Christmas events are on our Facebook page.
“Very important information for people is that you can go into a pub for just a hot drink or a soft drink and not have a meal.
“So many people are unaware of this so last Saturday the beer garden was empty of my dog walking coffee drinkers but they were queuing over the road for takeaways.
“Guests think they have to have a meal.
“The meal rule is only if you are having alcohol.
“We still have the outside play area open and it’s sanitised daily and we are selling kids packs to keep the kids amused.
“Until this Friday the kids eat for just £1, so we really are trying our best.
“We are famous for our carveries, which are great value.
“Our cheapest carvery is just £5.79. Where else will you get a plate piled high for that price?”
The Guelder Rose pub is on Marine Drive in Southport. For more details visit their Facebook page or call them on: 01704 546803.
