How Nottinghamshire’s restaurants and bars are dealing with the 10pm curfew and latest rules – Nottinghamshire Live

A 10pm curfew, table service, mandatory masks, supplying details through the NHS track and trace app, groups of six, social distancing, applying hand sanitiser - eating and drinking out has never had so many rules.

If you think it's tiresome as a customer, spare a thought for owners and staff at Nottingham's pubs and restaurants, who have to implement the ever-changing regulations - and make sure customers adhere to them.

It's with a combination of stern warnings, frustration and humour those in the hospitality scene are coming to terms with this week's latest ruling.

Sat Bains, owner of two Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains, in Lenton Lane, reminded diners about wearing face masks on arrival. "You are allowed to take them off whilst eating, I think," he tweeted.

As restaurateurs scramble to amend later bookings to make sure dinner is done and dusted in time for 10pm closing, locally owned Italian restaurant La Storia, in West Bridgford, has asked customers visiting after 8.15pm to pre-order to save time and possibly ditch the starters and "go straight to mains so they can have the best possible experience with us."

Oliver's Pub and Kitchen, in Eastwood, outlined the gamut of restrictions, taking a humorous approach.

"Wait to be seated, no really wait. Don't have a quick tour of the place. Don't move anything. We are sorry that the feng shui doesn't hit the mark for you but the furniture is set out the way it is for a reason," said a Facebook post.

"If you have seen a few people you know sat at the opposite side of the room, just give them a wave, drop them a text, have a Zoom call. Please don't get up and join them."

Ending on a serious note, they told customers: "These are things out of our control, we hate repeating ourselves as much as you hate hearing it but we have to enforce it. Please just do us a solid and listen to us. You are playing with peoples livelihoods, our licences... our patience. If you dont like the rules then complain to Bojo, trust us we are not exactly happy with the current situation either!

"Keep supporting local, tip your staff, say please and thank you, dont ask us to 'smile' and for the love of alcohol please sit down... and yes it really is six."

Secret bar, Lost Property, in Carlton Street, Hockley is opening earlier to make up for lost time.

"Boris says no to late nights... so what do we think to earlier starts? Come and join us for some early evening fun," they said, announcing the hidden bar will be opening from 2pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Indian restaurant MemSaab, in Maid Marian Way, will also be opening earlier, from 4pm. "Since the virus has miraculously managed to tell the time we are now opening between 4pm- 10pm in line with the new government guidelines," said the owners.

Staff at Six Barrel Drafthouse in Hockley are encouraging drinkers to download the NHS Covd-19 app before they venture into town. "Everywhere has to ask you or be ready to say 'can I sign in the old way please?' Trust me we are frustrated by the constant changes too but it's law, does make sense and helps protect not just you but the whole city and industry."

The Crown Inn, a traditional pub in Beeston, asked customers for their co-operation with the new rules, urging: "Please respect our staff when you visit if they are asking you to wear a mask or leave your contact details. And at the end of the night if they are asking you to drink up, please remember they are just working to the new laws and restrictions we are all now required to follow.

"We would like to thank you all for your continued support during these exceedingly difficult times. We feel very grateful to have such wonderful customers who love our pub as much as we do."

The Canalhouse, in Canal Street, pleaded with customers to support their favourite pub through this tough time.

"We're coming into a season that's traditionally not great for trade. With these restrictions and furlough coming to the end, many pubs and restaurants will not be able to weather the storm. If we can all act responsibly and still enjoy our time out with friends and family, then we can help our hospitality trade

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 3 months - it's been incredibly tricky navigating a whole host of new ways of working and the vast, vast majority of you have been very understanding of this."

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How Nottinghamshire's restaurants and bars are dealing with the 10pm curfew and latest rules - Nottinghamshire Live