Restaurant reopens at Dobbies as Atherstone store unveils 'safety champion'

COMPANY CEO GRAEME JENKINS: WELLBEING OF TEAM MEMBERS AND CUSTOMERS 'NUMBER ONE PRIORITY'

NEW MEASURES FOR SUPER SATURDAY FOLLOW UPDATED GUIDANCE FROM GOVERNMENT

ATHERSTONE'S biggest garden centre has embraced the latest easing from Covid-19 lockdown – with the reopening of its restaurant on Super Saturday.

Dobbies has introduced a number of new health and safety measures in a move that followed updated guidance from the Government that restaurants can now start back in business.

The safety of team members and customers is the company's 'number one priority', with additional social distancing and hygiene measures put in place.

There is a dedicated 'safety champion', solely responsible for ensuring all measures are followed and to answer customer questions.

Tables and chairs have been laid out in the restaurant to ensure a safe distance between diners.

There is a counter service only, with customers selecting then collecting their covered meal from a dedicated food collection area, along with cutlery wrapped straight from the dishwasher.

Self-service coffee machines are not in use, but baristas are serving hot drinks. All trays and tables are sanitised after use.

The restaurant has also taken additional steps when working with suppliers, with contact-free and sanitised deliveries.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: "The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies' number one priority, which is why we have introduced the new role of safety champion.

"Not only do we want customers to feel safe, but we want them to have an enjoyable experience."

Dobbies reopened on May 13 along with other garden centres nationwide – after a hiatus of 50 days lockdown – and was seen as the first shoots of easing up on coronavirus restrictions.

The company ensured a wide range of measures were in place at the Nuneaton Road store to adhere to Government guidelines.

These include a limited number of 60 customers permitted inside at one time and a queuing system in operation outside – with one-metre markers to help maintain social distancing.

Hygiene routines are carried out throughout the store, including trolley cleaning stations at the store entrance.

Duty manager Geraldine McKenzie told Nub News in May that customers approaching the tills had to place their trolleys by the checkouts and then step back two metres while assistants scanned the items.

Customers then pay by card and collect their trolley without any need to encroach on the staff behind the newly-introduced screens.

Staff have been provided with PPE and received training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe.