STAFF from hospitality businesses across the Malvern Hills say they are glad to be back after their first week since Covid restrictions eased.

Since April 12, hospitality businesses have been allowed to open for outdoor dining, though a number of businesses in the town are remaining closed until May, when indoor dining is set to be allowed again.

Stanbrook Abbey in Callow End has re-opened, putting up a large teepee in its grounds to allow groups to dine.

General manager Gordon Burniston said it was great to be back welcoming customers again. He said: “Throughout the last week we have been delighted to see so many returning and new customers. Our expansive grounds and gardens are open for guests to enjoy when dining alfresco, but our outdoor spaces have been transformed in recent months to create far more of an experience for our diners.

“We have our wide terrace with new lighting and guests will also find our new teepee accompanied with heaters and lanterns. The response has been phenomenal - since opening the diary for alfresco bookings, we have seen bookings consistently increase.”

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin paid a visit to Stanbrook Abbey and urged residents to get their second Covid jab as soon as possible.

She said: “The vaccination programme continues at pace and more and more people have had their second jab. If you are invited, please make sure you take up the chance to get vaccinated as it continues to be the key to fully opening up our economy and getting back to doing the things we love.

“Hospitality businesses have gone to extraordinary lengths to be able to trade within the regulations and, as I travel around West Worcestershire, I see more and more pubs building outdoor structures to allow customers back having drinks or meals. I’m getting strong indications that businesses are confident about re-opening and are looking forward to a bumper summer when the regulations are further relaxed.

“Of course this needs us all to be sensible and follow the rules but with more people getting their second jabs in the county, I hope that the Government will follow data, not dates, when allowing us to get back to a normal way of life.”

Not all hospitality venues in Malvern have re-opened their doors, however, with many waiting for May 17 to welcome back guests.

Others are taking extra time to prepare for the safe reopening with additional measures having to be taken.

AJ Bains, general manager of the Mount Pleasant Hotel, said: “My team and I are really looking forward to opening next month. We are so excited to be able to greet our regulars again and also welcome new guests.

“There is a bit to do before we open, such as sprucing the place up again, retraining and going through risk assessments. We will get all this done before we open, so the main focus will be giving our guests the best service possible.”

Shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens were allowed to reopen on April 12.

Most outdoor attractions, such as zoos and theme parks, could reopen, although wider social-distancing rules still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools opened but for use by people on their own or in household groups. Funerals can continue with up to 30 people, and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes rose from six to 15.