Popular Rushden Lakes bar inundated with bookings ahead of re-opening next month

Cocktails food and lakeside views will be back on offer when The Terrace re-opens at Rushden Lakes next month.

It's not been the easiest of times for Chris Mills since he took on the Flip Out franchise and opened the rooftop bar at the popular retail and leisure complex.

Storm damage to the leisure terrace last February saw both his businesses closed and then it wasn't long after re-opening that the country went into lockdown, leaving him having to furlough 60 staff.

But with pubs and restaurants allowed to serve food and alcohol outside again in just a few weeks' time, Chris cannot wait to welcome customers back for a cocktail overlooking the lake (as shown in the video taken by Northants Life).

Chris told this newspaper: "We have been inundated with booking requests, which is great.

"But if it rains and it's proper rain, that causes us a bit of a problem."

But with all that Chris has had to endure during the past year, something like a bit of rain won't get him down and he is looking at ways to protect customers from the great British weather if needs be.

Lockdown has also given Chris plenty of time to come up with new ideas for the bar and his team are busy getting ready for re-opening, including tweaking the menu from before and it's likely there will be a few new cocktails to try out too.

He said: "I think it will be the best bar in Northamptonshire, but it takes a bit of time and money."

The bar has a large cinema screen, and shows Sky Sports as well as holding live music events.

Countless customers have had their picture taken by The Terrace sign which is surrounded by a beautiful floral display, many of which end up on social media.

Chris said: "I see people all over the place with it on their profile pictures.

"Once it's all dressed up, it really is an amazing place to sit and have a drink with your friends."

Numerous measures to keep both staff and customers Covid-secure will be in place when The Terrace re-opens on April 16, including a separate entrance at the side of Lago Lounge.

The first two weekends of opening are already filling up so people are encouraged to get in touch if they want to reserve a table.

Anyone who wants to make a booking can do so through The Terrace's Facebook page, with Chris adding: "I should imagine we will be fully booked."

Despite being open for more than a year, it has been very stop-start and Chris said they have only been able to open for about 50 per cent of that time.

But he's very excited about getting back into the swing of things and introducing his new ideas in the coming weeks and months, saying: "I am very happy to be moving forward after staying still for so long."

For more details about The Terrace, which will be opening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April 16, click here.

*** The video of The Terrace shown above was taken by Northants Life ***

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