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I work(ed) in two different pubs, and there has been quite a bit of behind-the-scenes work to get ready for re-opening. I've seen guidance for where I work, and looked at internal guidance for another pub where I have friends on the staff. Thread...
One place I work at isn't going to open until August atg the earliest - don't expect every pub in the country to open on the 4th July. The other place isn't going to open on the 4th, but a few days later. Opening on a Saturday is a stupid idea, but it wasn't ours.
For large beer gardens, especially if there is a bar-hatch to serve that area directly, the outdoors may feel quite like it was in the before-times, apart from socially distant queueing rather than clustering at the bar. Please queue where and how you're asked to.
The indoor drinking experience is going to be very different. Bookings will be strongly preferred, with walk-ins allowed only of there is space. Don't count on that.
Groups of more than 6 will not be allowed, mingling between groups will not be allowed, moving the chairs and tables around will mot be allowed. This isn't us being twats, it's a mandatory condition of re-opening.
Either one person from the group will order at the bar, or it will be table service only (different arrangements for the different places whose plans I've seen). All subject to change, if a system isn't working.
One thing I like about pubs, where you can wander in, buy a pint, and put your elbows on the bar to chat to other regulars or interesting randoms won't be happening. This is really regrettable, but it should be obvious why.
A lot of pubs have put up messages on their websites, twitter, or their facebook pages. Those are much better sources than this thread, so if you plan to go to a pub, see if they have done this. It may save disappointment if you're expecting food etc.
This thread is just to give an idea of how different things may be when your local re-opens.
Finally, bear in mind that the staff aren't experts on the virus, may be nervous, will be adapting to a new system, and cut us some slack if things aren't quite to your liking. They aren't quite to our liking either, but we'll do our best.
PS: Food may not be available the first day the pubs open. We've got a lot on our hands, and pubs may decide to get the drinks side flowing and the bugs ironed out before adding another layer of complexity.
