Washington Village set for new life as businesses reopen from Monday, April 12

Businesses are looking forward to a bit of life and normality returning to Washington Village when lockdown is further eased on Monday, April 12.
By Tony Gillan
Published 11th Apr 2021, 07:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

From that day cafes, restaurants and pubs can seat customers outside, while hairdressers and beauticians can reopen for the first time in 2021.

A number of businesses have confirmed that they will welcome customers back for the first time in months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They include the Vinyl Restaurant and Cafe, which will serve customers outside on a first come first serve basis. The Forge restaurant in the 400 year-old Old Smithy will open Thursdays to Sundays for outside customers.

Washington Village businesses clockwise from top left; hairdressers Bohdot, Washington Arms, Vinyl Restaurant and Olivia's coffee shop all trade again from April 12. Pictures by Frank Reid.Washington Village businesses clockwise from top left; hairdressers Bohdot, Washington Arms, Vinyl Restaurant and Olivia's coffee shop all trade again from April 12. Pictures by Frank Reid.
Washington Village businesses clockwise from top left; hairdressers Bohdot, Washington Arms, Vinyl Restaurant and Olivia's coffee shop all trade again from April 12. Pictures by Frank Reid.

Olivia’s coffee shop opens Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-3pm. Booking is not required.

The Washington Arms will open its pub garden and is taking online bookings, although the nearby Cross Keys and Steps are both waiting until May.

Lauren E Summers, make up artist and beautician, will open 9am-7pm seven days a week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Faye Bryant owns the Bohdot hairdressing salon which she runs with her assistant Holly Seddon. On the first day they will be open from 8.30am to 8pm. They are fully booked. Faye took over the business at perhaps the worst possible time; March 1, 2020.

Faye Bryant, owner of Bohdot hair salon is taking bookings for April 12 onwards. Pictures by Frank Reid.Faye Bryant, owner of Bohdot hair salon is taking bookings for April 12 onwards. Pictures by Frank Reid.
Faye Bryant, owner of Bohdot hair salon is taking bookings for April 12 onwards. Pictures by Frank Reid.

She said: “We’re obviously looking forward to reopening. We’re excited, but also a little bit nervous about keeping to the times people are due to be in the shop as there are only two of us running it. It’s always the same after a lockdown.

“It’s been a shame for the village, but at the same time the support from the community has been unbelievable. The people want to support where they are.”

Kelly Kennedy runs the Green Tea Room and Florist. The business has been offering a takeaway service throughout, but Kelly is looking forward to seating customers again from 9am on April 12.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “I’m hoping people will be patient and that it’ll be successful. It will be interesting to see how it all works out, because it’s very much weather dependent.

The Green Tea Room, Florist and Gift Shop has provided a take-out service, but will serve seated customers outdoors from April 12. Picture by Frank Reid.The Green Tea Room, Florist and Gift Shop has provided a take-out service, but will serve seated customers outdoors from April 12. Picture by Frank Reid.
The Green Tea Room, Florist and Gift Shop has provided a take-out service, but will serve seated customers outdoors from April 12. Picture by Frank Reid.

“Customers can sit at our tables instead of on benches. As long as people wear the right clothes it should be good.

"I think there’ll be a bigger difference in May when people can come inside. We’ll have to wait and see what we have to do regarding social distancing.”

Read More
All the Washington pubs which have confirmed they are opening outdoor areas on A...

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.