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04

Jul 2020

Last Updated: 04/07/2020
Business
Business

Ripon's largest pub re-opens for early risers

by Tim Flanagan

| 04 Jul, 2020
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The Unicorn, Ripon's largest pub, re-opened its doors prompt on the eighth chime of the Cathedral clock this morning.

ripon-4th-july-2020-dawn-tull-duty-manager-at-the-unicorn

The Unicorn, Ripon's largest pub, re-opened its doors prompt on the eighth chime of the Cathedral clock this morning.

There was a quiet trickle of customers arriving for their first breakfast or coffee at the pub since it went into lockdown in March.

Owned by hospitality giant Wetherspoon, the pub and hotel in Market Place, has put many safety measures in place in readiness for up to  a maximum of 135 customers at a time on its premises, which include a beer garden to the rear.

Duty manager Dawn Tull (pictured) told The Stray Ferret:

"We are keeping a count on numbers and if we are at capacity, customers will need to wait outside at social distance until space becomes free."


On entry, pub goers will be required to complete an NHS Test and Trace form which is designed to assist health professionals in contacting individuals in the event of a local coronavirus outbreak.






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Perspex screens have been fixed at the bar and other locations; a one way system in and out has been introduced and leaflets handed out to customers asks them to keep themselves, other pub goers and staff safe, by following guidelines, which include customers only entering the premises if they feel well; washing hands on arrival with the sanitiser provided; making contactless payments and using an app to order at table, where possible.

Wetherspoon has pointed out on its leaflets:

"Our adjustments follow extensive consultation with employees at all levels and incorporate advice from government, health and safety advisers and UK Hospitality.
"As part of the process, pub managers have carried out a risk assessment in their own pub, leading to a pub-specific operating plan."


Doors close on the first day back after lockdown at midnight and Dawn, said:

"We look forward to welcoming our customers back."