McDonald's, Greggs and Wetherspoons ready to get fully back to business in Hucknall

The retail and leisure sector has been one of the last elements of the British economy to re-open as lockdown is eased, but now it is stirring into life again.

JD Wetherspoon owns The Pilgrim Oak in Hucknall High Street which will re-open when it has the official go-ahead from the Government.

The pub will have screens at the till point. and screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.

Wetherspoon will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear.

The pub will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible.

Emily Hawkley, pub manager, said: “At present the government has not

confirmed any reopening date for pubs.

“However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement.

“We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

“The safety of staff and customers is paramount.”

Greggs, which has a outlet on High Street in Hucknall, has announced plans to open around 800 of its stores nationwide from June 18, and all of its stores by July 1.

It will be offering a slimmed-down menu, but its vegan sausage roll and longer-established pork version will feature, along with hot drinks.

The company recently opened a selection of shops on an ad-hoc basis in the north east, trialling delivery, collection and standard walk-in orders and testing out new operational safety measures.

These are reported to have gone well and will now be introduced more widely.

McDonald’s has already re-opened its restaurants for Drive-Thru and delivery, including it’s restaurant on Ashgate Road in Hucknall, across the country with new measures in place to help keep employees and customers safe, including perspex screens at drive-thru windows, and employees wearing protective equipment.

Restaurants will return with smaller teams, offering a limited menu and operating reduced hours.