East of England brewery reflects one year on since pubs ordered to close
Pubs, restaurants and cafes were ordered to shut on 20 March 2020
An East of England brewery is looking ahead to a brighter summer, one year since pubs were first ordered to close due to coronavirus.
Adnams called final orders just a matter of days before the direction was announced by Boris Johnson.
It was a decision made by Director of Properties, Nick Attfield, and wasn't one that was taken lightly.
He said: "Looking back to this time last year when we had to give our teams at Adnams the devastating news that we were going to close our pubs and hotels, a decision we took just a couple of days before the order to close came from Government.
"It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.
"It was a time of real unknowns and worries for everyone, but I never thought at that time we would be closed a year on. Or nor could I have imagined the impact Covid has had on all our lives, our jobs and our economy."
The Prime Minister announced on 22 February his roadmap to "cautiously" ease lockdown measures across England, which provided hope for many in the industry.
From 12 April, depending on Covid-19 data, easing of restrictions include the return of outdoor dining and drinking and UK-holidays, which provides plenty of business for Adnams.
Indoor hospitality is also expected to return "no earlier than" 17 May and Nick explained the brewery and its properties are continuing to look ahead.
He added: "We've got a roadmap out now and that's supported by the vaccine. We're putting all our efforts into reopening as soon as we're able and getting back to being healthy, happy, sociable and entertaining people."