Wetherspoons pubs in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden unveil reopening plans

Wetherspoons has unveiled its plans for social distancing once pubs can re-open, including their five pubs in north Northamptonshire.

The chain operates The Earl of Dalkeith in Kettering, The Saxon Crown and The Samuel Lloyd in Corby, The Red Well in Wellingborough and The Railway Inn in Rushden.

Wetherspoons said it will be opening once there is an official go-ahead from the government and has plans in place to make sure its pubs are safe.

Robert Keen, manager at the Earl of Dalkeith, said: "At present the government have 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."

The plans were also developed with reference to UK Hospitality guidelines and will include two new full-time members of staff, with more at bigger pubs, to regularly clean surfaces and touch points.

These touch points include door handles, card payment machines and hand rails.

There will also be an average of 10 hand sanitiser dispensers around the pub.

There will be screens at till points and staff will serve drinks by holding the base of the glass. Food from a slightly reduced menu will be delivered by a member of floor staff and condiments will be in single-serve sachets rather than bottles.

Customer entry and exit will be marked by floor stickers and there will be clear guidance on social distancing. A member of staff will be monitoring and maintaining social distancing.

Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app wherever possible, although contactless will be available and cash will be accepted.

All staff will receive a full briefing and training on the new measures. They will also be offered gloves, masks and protective eyewear and will have the choice of wearing them or not, in line with government guidelines.

Staff will also have a fit-to-work assessment questionnaire everyday, including a temperature check.

Once open, the pubs will be operating normal opening hours.