The north’s hospitality trade breathed a cautious sigh of relief as the Scottish Government yesterday set out a timeline for premises to reopen in time for summer.
But while all were looking forward to welcoming customers back to beer gardens and patios on July 6, there was a warning from some that the “rug had been pulled from under them” only days ago.
Many had hoped to open in some capacity last Friday, before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced more time was needed before they could.
She has now given July 6 as an “indicative date” for beer gardens and outside hospitality to expect to be able to trade once again.
The Mosset Tavern in Forres turned to offering home deliveries to survive during lockdown.
Yesterday owner Gordon Brailsford said he believed the business would still have a successful summer, despite the delayed start.
One-way systems have been established, staff have undergone extra training and a 150-capacity beer garden has been created.
Mr Brailsford said: “It’s phenomenal news, but we’re still naturally cautious because we’ve been bitten once before when we’ve been ready to go and then not got the go-ahead.
“It’s been pretty scary times through all this. We had to do the deliveries, not to make money, but just to pay the bills and make sure there was still a business there.
“We’ve got the perfect outdoor spot by the Mosset Burn. It’s pretty comfortable even with the two-metre distancing.”
His wariness was echoed by Banchory Lodge Hotel director Carol Fowler, who said: “We will open on July 8 to give ourselves two days extra in case it all changes again.
“We want to keep people safe but we could do with more certainty than a likely date.”
More than £6,000 was spent making Banchory Lodge safe to resume trade last week and staff had to phone 350 people to cancel bookings for what was to be their reopening weekend.
Employees have been re-furloughed – having been taken off the government scheme in preparation for June operation – which Ms Fowler claims poses problems as they have to remain out of action for three weeks.
In Aberdeen, Belmont Street bar Siberia will ask customers to have their temperatures checked when they reopen outdoors on July 6.
They will also be taking two-hour bookings for tables through their website, introducing new ordering systems and operating a one-way system.
Director Stuart Mcphee said: “First and foremost we will look forward to welcoming customers back, but our bar and our operation has to be safe for our staff to come back to.
“All that we ask from our customers is they respect the new normal and have fun with it.”
PB Devco will open beer gardens at two of its Aberdeen bars, Soul and The Bieldside Inn, on July 6 too, while other its six other premises will open nine days later.
The government is to allow indoor hospitality trade, with precautions, from July 15.
Director Stuart Clarkson said: “It definitely helps to have a date to work.
“I just hope the weather remains as it is currently.”