Hartlepool pubs, restaurants and hairdressers' embrace 'new normal' with busy Saturday

Bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and hairdressers got off to a smooth and steady start, but things looked a lot different with each employing numerous measures to protect staff and customers from coronavirus.

Floor markings, face shields, hand sanitising stations and table service has become the new norm, and customers were happy to oblige.

Wetherspoon pub The Ward Jackson in Church Square was one of the first to reopen on Saturday morning and where measures include customers filling in NHS track and trace forms on entry, sanitising their hands and being served at tables.

O’Malley’s Irish bar, also in Church Square, reopened after 15 weeks.

Licensee Sophie Haygarth said: “It is the longest we have ever been shut. It is going to be quite daunting for people with all the new rules in place but I’m looking forward to showing we can do it safely and welcome everyone back.”

Cleveland Police said that officers had made a drunk and disorderly arrest by 3pm, however on the whole there didn’t appear to be much trouble as the day went on.

Bars and restaurants on Navigation Point at Hartlepool marina got off to brisk start.

Andy Cazaux, 49, was impressed with the safety measures and service at JP’s Bar on Hartlepool Marina, which included giving his name and address on arrival and table service.

Andy, a chef at new marina Italian restaurant Mama Marina opening on Tuesday, added: “You can drink in your house but it just doesn’t taste the same.”

Floor markings, bar screens and hand sanitiser at Rosie’s bar at Navigation Point on Hartlepool marina.

Customer Paul Judd said: “I feel safe. The pubs are doing what they should be doing. It’s nice to have a pint on draught.”

Julie Graham added: “It’s nice to have a talk with people. It makes you happier. If we’re sensible we are alright.”

There was a long queue for people waiting to go in the Park Inn in Park Road. The pub had just completed a refurbishment before lockdown.

The King Johns Tavern in Hartlepool town centre reopens on Monday, July 6. Owner Scott Weir said: “We thought Saturday might be a bit chaotic and it gives us time to put procedures and policies in place.

“It’s been a long hard 14 weeks. It will be good to get the staff back at work and the customers back in.”

LilyAnne’s Coffee Bar in Victoria Road, has extended into the building next door to enable social distancing and introduced remote ordering from tables using an app.

Manager Trevor Sherwood said: “It’s like we’ve pressed replay and the business is back at the levels it was before lockdown.”

People also welcomed the chance to get their hair cut again.

Tess Wintgens was one of the first clients at Poppy’s Hairdressing in Victoria Road after her last appointment on March 27 was cancelled because of Covid.

Tess, 39, manager of Nando’s restaurant in Hartlepool, said: “It’s been really good to come back. Poppy’s really made sure you felt comfortable.

“Everything was so well sanitised.”

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