Harrogate businesses ready for indoor opening
Hospitality venues across Harrogate District can finally welcome indoor diners from today
Last updated 17th May 2021
Businesses across Harrogate District are ready for reopening indoors as today marks the next stage in the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
The Government guidance sets out the latest phase: "In all sectors, COVID-Secure guidance will remain in place and businesses may not cater for groups bigger than the legal limits. Indoor hospitality will reopen - and as in Step 2, venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor will there be a curfew. Customers will, however, have to order, eat and drink while seated".
Ozgur Akgul, director at Lucia's Wine Bar in Harrogate, said: "We're very much excited. It's been a long time coming.
"We can't wait to welcome people in after five and a half months. The Monday feeling has never felt this much good!
"Just seeing people's faces. We are a restaurant and a social venue so without the people it's like we are without arms or legs.
"People come to restaurants to see each other and have a good time. When we weren't open it was difficult but there was so much for us to learn. It was a hard experience but we learned a lot."
The team decided not to reopen when outdoor dining was allowed in the previous stage of restrictions easing, as they felt staff wages and other costs wouldn't justify reopening.
Instead they decided to refurbish the venue, ready for visitors from today (17 May 2021). The newly refurbished site cost around £750,000.