How some of Sunderland's biggest pubs and venues are gearing up to reopen from lockdown

Andrew Golding is operations director of a string of sites in the city centre, including The Point, Arizona, Glitterball, ttonic and Chaplins, which, in line with Government guidelines, had to close their doors in mid-March.

At the city centre sites, preparations are in full swing for reopening with deep cleaning, safety planning and essential maintenance taking place across the venues, after it was announced that the hospitality industry could reopen on July 4 at the earliest, with individual businesses set to announce their opening dates closer to the time.

Sunderland pub offering six-litre cocktail takeouts for your garden...

Hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants across the country are gearing up to reopen but, like many, operations director Andrew Golding is concerned about how even the best-made plans will work in practice at businesses so geared towards socialising.

“My biggest worry is the disengagement from the Government and local authorities to the hospitality Industry and local businesses alike. Restrictions, guidance and policies made in relation to COVID may sound feasible on paper, but can be unworkable in reality,” he explained.

Many businesses have voiced concerns about the UK’s two-metre distancing rule, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) advice stipulating a distance of one metre between people. Andrew says it’s the social distancing measure which will affect the hospitality industry most.

He said: “In my opinion, the hospitality industry will suffer a downturn and many businesses from small to large will struggle to survive with the current social distancing measures advised.

“It is apparent most fast-paced wet-led venues can only operate on capacity measures, not social distancing measures, and are specifically already reliant on weekend trade and utilising venue yield to convert sales to bottom line profit.”

Brewery issued with warning letter from Mars over the name of its...

Andrew, who has many years experience of Sunderland’s night-time economy, says current social distancing measures will impact upon the very atmosphere and social aspects which attract people to pubs, bars and late-night destinations. “The alternative will be to just stay at home taking advantage of cheaper super market deals or Deliveroo meal deals accessible by a click of a button,” he explained.

As well as the financial impact and practicality of social distancing, the hospitality industry, in particular, also has to face a change in consumer confidence which could potentially impact business.

Voicing the concerns of many, Andrew said: “How will we, as an industry, restore public confidence that it is safe to interact when all restrictions are lifted or things become more normal? Can we reverse the damage done, and at what cost, will the economy recover in the next two years and how will this impact local employment and the disposable pound in a region that already suffers from poverty?”

Reigniting Sunderland’s nightlife community

The reopenings come as Sunderland Echo is running its #SupportLocal campaign to encourage people to shop locally and boost local trade as we emerge from lockdown.

Speaking about recovery, Andrew said: “We will require the support from our communities, businesses, brands, brewers, city support groups and council to ignite a dynamic industry and create vibrancy once again, this is what will distinguish us.

“We as a local, independent business who work and live in Sunderland are very committed and focused on 2021, engaging a program of activity to ensure when we return it is with full commitment, we are hoping to gain support in these initiatives.

“At the moment we are working on ensuring that we stay in our staff and customers’ mindset. We are actively tuning into the communities and the loyal customer base we have spent years building and supporting our very valued employees who make our businesses great.” Although many events at The Point had to be cancelled this year, staff have been working hard to create a bumper line-up for 2021 with big names such as comedians Russell Kane, Katherine Ryan and Joe Lycett; music such as Shayne Ward, Martin Kemp, Craig Charles and Madchester and 80s Tropicana nights and sport from Ultra MMASports, a England Legends PA and more already in the diary.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.