We have produced some detailed guidance for our own use, but we won't bore you with the jargon! Now that operating guidelines for pubs have finally be released and digested by us we are in a position to finalise physical changes at the pub and confirm revised procedures.

This is very much a learning process for us all. We ask that everyone is respectful. If you have any concerns please address them with us during your visit so that we can act upon them.

From 4th July;

Customers should use the main entrance at the front of the building upon arrival. Staff will offer guidance and provide details about procedures that need to be followed. Please also read and observe signage posted throughout the premises.

We will need to request and temporarily retain contact details for the lead person in each household for the purpose of NHS Track and Trace.

Indoor gatherings should not exceed more than two households. Outdoor gatherings should not exceed more than two households, or up to 6 people from different households. Large gatherings are not permitted.

We have spaced our tables, indoors and outdoors, to comply with social distancing. In addition, till screens, serving points, queuing areas, priority passing points and other control measures are in place. We respectfully ask that you comply with these when visiting.

Tables do not need to be booked in advance. However, our overall total capacity is reduced and numbers will be monitored. Booking is therefore advisable, especially on the opening weekend and at other peak times. Table service will be available indoors and we are also investigating the possibility of a customer app to order food and drinks.

We will not be able to reserve tables outside.

Initially we will operate a shortened day, starting at 12pm, 7-days a week. The kitchen will close at 9pm. End of day closing will be flexible and depend on customer demand. We will alter the timings as appropriate once we gauge demand.

A reduced menu will be in place, but the popular favourites will still be available. We hope to adjust this fairly quickly.

As a family-orientated pub, we still welcome children. However, a responsible adult must supervise them at all times. Our indoor play area is not permitted to open. The outdoor equipment can be used, but social distancing must be respected.

Sanitiser is available throughout the premises and staff will undertake enhanced cleaning regimes at frequent intervals. We ask that Customers observe good hygiene whilst on site.

Cash will still be accepted.

Customers approaching the bar should do so singularly and be clear what they require to avoid unnecessary trips back to the table. Drinking at the bar is not permitted.

In the event of unexpected adverse weather, customers in the garden will not be permitted entry to the pub if capacity has already reached the maximum permitted. This is to comply with social distancing.

Although we'd love to see you, please stay away if you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19 and come back to us when you are well again!

We appreciate this is still a lot to take in, but it is essential we publish this information for transparency and to make clear the expectations. If you have any questions please just ask.

We are not currently taking phone calls, but we anticipate being able to do so next week. If you wish to book please send us a message via Messenger or email info@theeightbells.net

Looking forward to welcoming you all!

UPDATE FOR NEW RULES

Table Service......

All food and drink must be ordered from a table. Bar service is not permitted.

Full table service is available indoors, but at present we are unable to offer service in our garden. Service on the patio is limited.

Our wifi is currently being extended and an app for phone/tablet ordering is in development for those who wish to use this method. The app will be in addition to table service.

Table service is a new concept but it is something we have embraced and will develop. Although a challenge initially, it will soon very much be the 'norm' for us.

Our tablets do not exactly mirror our till screen layouts and so orders will take a little longer to process until we are used to working with them! Please be patient with us.

Payment......

Regular customers will be aware that we have not been operating tabs since re-opening, which is in accordance with Government guidance (reduce Customer movements). You will be asked to pay at the point of ordering food and drinks at the table. This is in effect no different to the process followed when bar service was in place.

Masks..........

You MUST wear a mask when moving around the building indoors, unless you have a valid exemption or are under the age threshold. Entry will not be permitted to anyone wishing to disregard this rule.

Rule of 6......

Tables are limited in size to 6 people, unless a single household (all living together) totals more than 6, or where a support bubble has been formed.

We will not accept requests for large bookings to be spread over adjacent tables. The rules clearly state that tables must not socialise with each other.