IT'S been a hard year for the hospitality sector due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of restaurants, pubs and cafes had to close for months on end as Covid-19 hit the UK.

But this week the second national lockdown was lifted and England entered into a tier system of restrictions meaning some restaurants could reopen.

While there remains a lot of uncertainty across the hospitality sector, the government’s announcement that restaurants in tiers one and two will be allowed to continue to trade has been received as a positive by many within the sector, including the team at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Bridgwater.

The eatery in Eastover is now calling on guests who are looking to dine out in the run up to Christmas to make a reservation so they can enjoy a meal in a safe, secure and highly regulated environment.

Damian Kaye, general manager at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, believes that prior to the second lockdown guests took confidence in the venue’s ‘Dine Assured’ message which ensures that guests’ health and safety, when eating out, is of the upmost priority.

Damian said: “Once we knew we were able to reopen back in the summer we looked at every area to make the restaurant as safe as possible.

"The more obvious measures were things like distancing of tables, plenty of hand sanitiser stations, asking guests to wait to be seated and regular deep cleaning, but we also looked at more finite items which we thought would reassure guests.

“That’s why we brought in single use menus and was one initiative that really gave guests confidence that we had their health and safety at heart.

“Polishing the glassware, removing salt and pepper sets from tables as well as cutlery, were again measures that helped reassure guests. Once they had been and enjoyed their meal and could see for themselves everything that had been done to keep them safe, word soon spread, resulting in good covers right across the week.

“Another key factor was the way we communicated to guests the measures we had put in place for when they would be dining with us, especially before they arrived at the restaurant. That way guests knew what to expect ahead of their visit. For example, letting them know that it was card payments only before they arrived helped them plan ahead.

“We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, and we’ve taken every precaution so that those who dine with us throughout December can do so, safe in the knowledge that everything within our power has been done to safeguard their health and that of the staff.

“We’re now looking forward to welcoming guests, old and new, keeping them safe while they dine here at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Bridgwater.”

For more information please visit www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/steakhouse-bar-and-grill/bridgwater