With the UK Government now confirming that indoor hospitality can indeed reopen on 17th May, we take a look at some of the exciting new openings planned this month in time for the relaxation of restrictions.
Firstly though, what do the upcoming changes mean in reality for hospitality in England next week? Well, to start with all those pubs, restaurants and bars who haven't had outdoor space in which to accommodate customers over the past six weeks can finally reopen their doors to take indoor bookings. Unfortunately though it doesn't mean we will have the luxury of walking up to the bar just yet to order a drink as all service remains firmly from the table for now with masks still required indoors.
The changes also see hotels able to reopen from 17th May, while those meeting outdoors can now do so in groups of up to 30 people which opens up the booking possibilities outside for larger groups in drinking or dining settings.
We've had our eye on this one for a short while but the opening of London's first cheese restaurant on a barge - aptly named The Cheese Barge - is set to open this month. From the team behind the popular Cheese Truck, the new barge opens in Regent's Canal, Sheldon Square, Paddington serving a seasonal cheese-focused menu and more. Visit their website.
On the hotel front, Boutique chain NoMad are taking their place at the 19th Century listed Bow Street Magistrates Court building in Covent Garden following the success of their New York based venue. The hotel is set to open this month with three bars including the much anticipated Side Hustle, their take on an British pub with its own food menu to match the feel of the room too. NoMad website.
Following their successful opening in Borough, woodfired pizza specialists Elliots are set to open their new venue on Mare Street in Hackney this month. Expect plates including polenta bramata, cuttlefish & gremolata pizza; and palourde clams, yellow tomatoes, garlic & creme fraiche pizza to feature on the menu, as well as a range of natural wines plus a handy bottle shop too. Find out more.
Another London based venue that's been open for deliveries but unable to fully get their doors open as yet is Heritage Dulwich, an Indian restaurant from a former Tamarind chef. Hugely popular during lockdown for home eating, Heritage Dulwich is another hotly anticipated opening outside of zones one and two in central London, featuring food it described as nostalgic family-taught dishes and unusual foods from lesser-known Indian regions and communities. Discover more on the Heritage Dulwich website.
What restaurants are you most looking forward to seeing open their doors again come next week? Drop us a note over on Twitter @thefoodpeople.