Meet the hospitality businesses who are putting safety first for reopening

Many restaurants and bars across the capital threw open their doors to customers again on 4 July by following important UK Government guidelines for a summer of safe and sensible socialising

45 Jermyn St Director, Zia Zareem-Slade

In the heart of St James’s, legendary restaurant 45 Jermyn St, operated by Royal Warrant holder Fortnum & Mason, is where old-school glamour meets modern London – and nothing is more contemporary than adapting to the new normal.

During lockdown, locals could enjoy a home delivery service from 45 Jermyn St comprised of their most popular dishes, cocktails and wine. The team worked alongside delivery app Supper to utilise technologies that keep food kitchen-fresh during transit, transported in custom-built delivery bikes.

45 Jermyn St reopened fully on 4 July and they have implemented a number of social distancing and hygiene practices to adhere to UK Government guidelines and make sure everyone is safe. These include a limited number of guests per table, a reduced number of tables, hand sanitiser throughout the restaurant, improved air filtration, contactless payment, cleaning of high frequency touchpoints every 15 minutes, screens at the entrance and face masks for staff. “We have made every effort to ensure that strict Government guidelines are adhered to, whilst also providing an environment that feels familiar for people to return to,” explains Zia Zareem-Slade, director of 45 Jermyn St, pictured right:

The new menu is shorter but just as temptingly enjoyable, full of 45 Jermyn St classics, including a beef Wellington to share and caviar tacos. The focus is on guests to enjoy the experience of eating out again, so elements of table-side theatre remain, with dishes such as a lobster spaghetti flambéed at the table. Zareem-Slade says: “Reopening marks a significant occasion for 45 Jermyn St, its many loyal customers and the hospitality industry as a whole. We’re delighted to open our doors and welcome our guests once again.”

The Bat and Ball General manager, Matt Fernon

For The Bat and Ball general manager Matt Fernon, pictured below, it’s been quite the journey from the start of lockdown – “We weren’t sure if we would ever open again,” he admits – to welcoming staff and customers back to the fun, lively Westfield Stratford City venue.

All staff members of the bar were furloughed, but the company kept up morale by organising weekly activities, such as quizzes. “Everyone kept in touch with each other and… supported each other,” Fernon says.

He felt a “huge sense of excitement” when the Government revealed hospitality businesses could reopen from 4 July. “[I] couldn’t wait to… get stuck in,” he says. The management team undertook a risk assessment and procedures to ensure the bar aligns with Covid-19 secure guidelines. Capacity, formerly at 700, is capped at 250, staff maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres, and there are multiple sanitisation stations.

“We [have] also put in place measures, so [we’re] able to show sports [and] have a fully operational ping pong area… and two pool tables,” Fernon explains.” Because of the sheer size of the venue, I think people should feel comfortable we have plenty of space to socially distance.”

Customers may only sit with one other household, in groups of eight or less, however. On arrival, they have to undergo a temperature screening. “There are a lot of procedures in place, but we still want people to have a lot of fun,” Fernon explains.

He’s delighted to be back in business, giving Londoners the opportunity to socialise responsibly again: “It’s just great to see the team. Everyone’s really motivated and ready to go.”

Ku Bar Ku Group owner, Gary Henshaw

Ku Bar in the West End chalks up 25 years as an independent LGBT+ business and community supporter in 2020 – and coronavirus isn’t going to stand in the way of a big celebration of its silver anniversary.

Staff and customer safety has always been top priority for London’s Ku Bar – which had been closed since 20 March – so adapting for reopening on 4 July was a challenge for the business, but it’s not completely unfamiliar territory.

For example, Ku Bar began running a takeaway service from late June. This allowed it to take stock of social distancing measures and ensure that its staff have read and signed a risk assessment and its new Covid-19 health and safety policy before starting work.

Following UK Government guidelines, staff and customers alike will see significant changes implemented now Ku Bar has reopened. For starters, capacity is drastically reduced, and some areas are closed, to ensure safe levels of distancing and adequate ventilation.

“We are also hoping to extend our outdoor seating capacity to ensure each table is appropriately distanced,” says Gary Henshaw, owner of the Ku Group, pictured right.

Other safety measures include separating larger booths with PVC or Perspex screens, introducing a one-way system for takeaway traffic flow, operating a contactless payment system throughout the venue – and ensuring hand sanitiser is readily available to all.

“We will offer our customers the unique Ku experience with our friendly, courteous and professional service while ensuring we keep everyone safe,” Henshaw says.