Warrington pubs disappointed by ‘freedom day’ delay

But now Warrington events have started to be cancelled, the curtain will remain closed at Parr Hall, night clubs will stay shuttered and pubs will continue to have to place their visitors under restrictions.

The town’s hospitality sector has been reacting to the four-week delay in the final phase of Boris Johnson’s plan to end the lockdown rules in their entirety.

Due to concerns over the rapidly-spreading Delta variant and subsequent pressure on the health service, step four of the PM’s ‘roadmap’ has now been delayed from June 21 to July 19.

Warrington businesses have been expressing their disappointment but also how they are ‘hanging in there’ with the end of restrictions still within sight.

The Post House – formerly The Lounge – in Springfield Street was renowned for its live music and open mic nights before the crisis.

Stephen Joynson, one of the owners, said he had a number of provisional bookings for music events after June 21 that have had to be cancelled – but he had an inkling that would be the case.

The Gainsborough Road resident said: “For us, like everyone in hospitality, it’s another setback when we were so close.

“The Post House is really looking forward to Freedom Day and being able to showcase the best in existing and up-and-coming musical talent from Warrington and the surrounding areas.

“Music makes us happy and that’s what we all need right now.”

Just a few steps away in the Cultural Quarter is Parr Hall.

Warrington’s historic concert venue has been out of use due to the pandemic since March 2020.

But the team at Culture Warrington – the charity that runs Parr Hall and Pyramid – are remaining relatively upbeat.

Other aspects of Culture Warrington’s work have already returned like classes at the Pyramid centre and the temporary museum and library at Golden Square.

The next event at Parr Hall is expected to be Circus of Horrors which is not until August 7.

It has already been rescheduled twice and there is very much a sense that contingencies have long been prepared for.

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of Culture Warrington, said: “Like many people across the country, we are saddened to see the restrictions still in place but we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our visitors and the town as a whole.

“Although Parr Hall will remain closed a little while longer, we look forward to bringing you a jam-packed programme later this year, filled with all your music, comedy, and theatrical favourites.

“Meanwhile, Pyramid Arts Centre is thrilled to be welcoming some of our classes back, while Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is relishing being back in business in its new, temporary home inside Golden Square.

“We are also delighted to present a selection of incredible art installations across the town centre, in addition to maintaining our engaging digital programme.”

Si Pugsley runs Friars Court and FC2.

He had pinned his hopes on the final phase of the restrictions lifting on time due to his plans to relaunch the night club side of the business.

Si added: “I’m gutted that we have had to re-arrange two events in FC2. The additional delay is tough to take when we have hired new staff ready to re-open the club on June 25.

“We still plan on opening FC2 before July 19, but it will be in line with the current restrictions.

“Let’s just hope that July 19 is able to go ahead – forgive me if I am a little sceptical, but we’ve had our hopes dashed too many times before.”

Alex Wright who runs the Cheshire Cheese in Latchford is also frustrated but says the PM's announcement was 'very much expected'.

His pub was closed for almost half of 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.

He said: "I’ve had to cancel several music acts that I’d had planned, and obviously if England progress in the Euros then I’ll have to be careful with the amount of customers and social distancing.

"But at least we’re trading. Since April 12, we’ve had some really good days in terms of the amount of customers and takings.

"However, because of the rules regarding social distancing I’m restricted to how many customers I can accommodate and I’ve had to turn many customers away.

"The other issue is that I’m employing more staff. Prior to the pandemic I’d only have two or three staff per day on busy weekends, Whereas right now I’m employing six to seven staff as we need to provide table service and ensure areas are cleaned regularly, so this is a huge drain on my resources.

"In general the customers have been great in terms of complying with the rules. However, I’d say 10 per cent or so still don’t comply with rules such as six to a table and wearing a mask while walking to the toilets.

"I was closed on several occasions last year due to Covid scares and that obviously cost me a great deal of money. So the mask issue is quite a big one for me.

"It’s not hard to wear a mask while you're walking around and respect everyone."

James Glover runs a variety of hospitality businesses, including new upmarket Bridge Street venue The Grand.

The biggest impact of the delay for him is that there are a lot of restrictions on his Bold Street club Block 1 but he is feeling relatively positive.

But the former St Gregory’s student has shown what is possible by adapting to the rules – particularly at Hideout in Sankey Street which now has an enhanced outdoor area with a balcony and terrace.

James said: “Not much has changed for me with the restrictions really. The Grand will be the same concept with table service and Hideout is trading well with the outdoor area and picking up a bit of midweek trade with the football now – so it’s not that far off a normal week without restrictions.

“Block 1 is the one that it’s still really affecting me as it’s limited capacity and costs are higher with things like waiting on staff and extra security. But we will hang in there and be ready for the rules relaxing in another four weeks.”

Event organiser Chris Hodgkinson has also showed what is possible by rolling with the changing rules.

The Chapelford resident held two events in 2020 – out of a planned 23.

But instead of being discouraged he formed a new partnership with Golden Square to start doing open air, socially distanced events at Old Market Place.

“We had two choices when lockdown hit,” said Chris.

“Bury our heads in the sand and hope we would come out of it the other side or try and adapt our our business and make the best of a terrible situation for our industry.

“We chose the latter and set about brainstorming some ideas which are now coming into fruition.

“Monday’s announcement was not ideal but we cannot change it and everybody’s safety is paramount to us at these times.”