Dobbies garden centre restaurant in Thornbury reopens today

This follows updated guidance from the UK Government that restaurants may reopen.

The news comes after Dobbies reopened its 68 stores across the UK in May, with strict social distancing measures in operation.

In the next phase of easing restrictions, customers will be welcomed back into the restaurants.

Customers will be able to enjoycakes, pastries and scones in the restaurant and coffee shop, as well as a host of new additions to the menu, including; pea and mint risotto, a roast dinner served in a giant Yorkshire pudding and even a mac and cheese toastie. The menu will also include a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a dedicated kids’ menu with lower salt and sugar options.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Following the successful re-opening of our Gloucestershire garden centres on 13 May, we are well-placed to restart our restaurant operations."

The safety of team members and customers remains Dobbies’ number one priority, and a number of additional social distancing measures have been put in place for opening all three restaurants.

There will be a dedicated Safety Champion who will be solely responsible for ensuring all measures are being followed. The Safety Champion will be on hand to answer any questions and ensure all team members and customers feel safe at all times. In line with Government guidance,

team members will be required to collect contact information from customers for NHS Test and Trace.

Tables and chairs have been laid out in the restaurants to ensure there is a safe space between diners. Self-service coffee machines will not be in use, but baristas will be on hand to serve hot drinks.

Dobbies will also be continuing with rigorous hygiene routines, with all trays and tables sanitised after use. The restaurants have also taken additional steps when working with suppliers, with contact free and sanitised deliveries.

Graeme Jenkins continued: “The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies number one priority, which is why we have introduced the new role of Safety Champion. Not only do we want customers to feel safe, but we want them to have an enjoyable experience."”

Dobbies continues to follow Government guidelines across the stores, with a limited number of customers permitted at one time. A queuing system remains in operation outside the stores, with one metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations are available at the store entrances.

Protective screens remain installed at tills and customers are asked to pay with card or contactless. Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members who are also receiving training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe, with rigorous hygiene routines continuing throughout the stores.