Seaburn pub manager’s disappointment following a string of no shows on their first weekend after reopening

The manager at The Promenade, Rob O’Donoghue, revealed that since the pub reopened on Monday, April 12, it had been a strong start as the hospitality industry looks to recover following the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, on entering the first weekend of trading, the pub on Queens Parade in Seaburn was hit with a string of customers not turning up for their bookings, something which Rob said led to a disappointing Saturday (April 17).

He commented: “It was quite good through the week but the weekend was a bit of a disappointment. We had a lot of bookings that didn’t show up.

"It was generally quieter than I thought it was going to be last night and I think other places were similar.

"It is a bit colder so that may be what is putting people off.”

Rob also revealed to the Echo that as well as no shows, other aspects of the Covid-19 restrictions are also having an impact on the business.

He added: “It has been worth opening but there is an operational problem with table service as it is costly in terms of needing more staff.

"The no shows on top of this don’t help, I believe that it will be fantastic once all the restrictions are gone.

"Most customers have been supportive however some are moving furniture around to be with other groups and the staff can’t be expected to babysit them their full shifts to make sure that this isn’t happening – but customers will always do this.”

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