Well, here we are again, waiting for this all to blow over and the chance to enjoy a nice cold pint. Hotel and catering businesses are now tentatively preparing to reopen after lockdown on July 4 as per government guidelines.

Here at Temple Croft B&B, we are still engaged in the final big push to fully complete our refurbishment and redecoration, and look forward to seeing you here in the beautiful North Pennines very soon.

With this is mind, we felt this was a good opportunity to look ahead at how the post Covid-19 world of hospitality will look at Temple Croft.

Brave new world

While still waiting for the Government’s specific guidelines relating to the hospitality industry, due to be announced on June 15, health and safety will be paramount at Temple Croft. 

As a brand new business, we have the opportunity to rethink and adapt to the necessary changes before we reopen to guests. Indeed, we have plenty of ideas to make sure our visitors will feel reassured and safe but still cared for and comfortable.

 Among the new considerations, we will:

• conduct a full Covid-19 risk assessment for business
• make sure all seating areas are socially distanced
• have hand sanitising points in bedrooms and communal areas
• stagger check-ins and departures
• include a room service option for breakfast and evening meals
• conduct regular deep-cleaning, including a thorough disinfection of rooms after each checkout with the aid of an antiviral fogging machine
• reduce clutter and keep the furnishings clean and minimalist
• make sure that all information, guidelines and logbooks are clear, helpful and up to date

More holidays in the UK

In the wake of the pandemic, we anticipate an increased interest in holidays at home in the UK. Consequently, we hope to welcome the many family groups who have been thus far locked down. No doubt they will relish the opportunity for extended quality time in a tranquil and beautiful location.

Why not celebrate your postponed birthday parties or anniversaries with us in Alston? Who knows? It may be that as lockdown eases further, holidays will be available to extended family and groups of friends, too.

Finding the lockdown positives

Although the overriding experiences of the pandemic have been fear, anguish and frustration, there have been certain positives during lockdown. These include a new delight in small pleasures such as daily walks. Moreover, people have enjoyed nature free from traffic and noise pollution as the pace of life has slowed down.

On a personal level, we have loved having our student son, Fin, with us on extended lockdown leave from Nottingham. That’s him tucking into an alfresco breakfast of scrambled eggs and coffee in the picture above.

As a nation, we have come to value more the great outdoors, local communities and excellent local produce. There is a renewed interest in a sense of place and local distinctiveness. Likewise, the many acts of kindness and support from friends and neighbours have been heartwarming. The hope is that much or all of this will continue as the situation improves.

This is surely a time for examining a more sustainable, responsible and collaborative approach to the future. It would be nice to think that, rather than rushing headlong to try to rebuild the dirty old way of life swept away by the coronavirus, we can seize the moment as a chance for a fresh start.

Well, at least we can hope. . .

Laters alligators,

AC/PC