Aberdonians desperate for a return to dining out placed more than 1,400 reservations for meals at a city hotel within just two hours.
Bookings yesterday opened for an “al fresco experience” at the Chester Hotel on Queen’s Road, and staff were soon flooded with requests for a dining slot.
The hotel’s restaurant will open next Wednesday from noon to 10pm.
In an effort to keep staff and customers safe, a 25m transparent, canopied marquee which has open sides has been introduced to allow guests to eat and drink outdoors.
It is expected that up to 70 guests can visit at one time while remaining at least two metres apart.
General manager, Stephen Gow, said the venue will now look at installing a second marquee to cater to the staggering demand.
He said “I don’t think anything has prepared us for the reaction that we’ve had.
“We had been considering erecting a second marquee, and it looks as if we will put a second one in place to service demand.
“There will be a partnership between our team and our guests to make the new way of working a success.”
Guests will be asked to observe the hotel’s new procedures which include one way systems for clients and staff, staffed toilets, two hour reservation periods and cashless payments.
All areas will be sanitised with electrostatic fogging technology after every use.
