A pub in Islington received a visit from the government’s business secretary ahead of its post-lockdown opening.
Secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy Alok Sharma went to The Alpaca on June 24 ahead of its opening on July 4 to get a taste of what safety measures were being implemented.
They include social distancing signs, hand sanitisers, reduced table numbers and a new courtyard garden.
READ MORE: ‘Fear and insecurity among many small businesses’: Islington Council calls on government to offer struggling firms more supportOwner Lucas Owen said: “We were quick to put measures in place but were surprised when we heard the minister was keen to see what the pub looked like.”
The pub on Essex Road, formerly The New Rose, underwent a £500,000 makeover from January and was only open for about two weeks before the Covid-19 lockdown came into force.
READ MORE: Essex Road pub The New Rose undergoing £500k makeover before reopening under new nameLucas said he was not going to let the unprecedented circumstances “beat” him and have been offering takeaway drinks and Sunday roasts in the meantime.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here