Pubs and restaurants reopen in Melton but some remain closed

BeerheadZ, the Genny B, Cutting Room, the Grapes, the Harboro Hotel and the Kettleby Cross were all open again for business.

But The Black Swan, The Boat, the Crown Inn, The White Hart and the Half Moon all remained closed on Saturday.

Most cafés were open, though, although some still continued to offer a takeaway or an outdoor service to customers.

Nigel Keep’s café, 54A King Street, hosted a buffet with live music for regulars outside its premises in the evening.

There was a substantial police presence and council officials were also offering advice on safe social distancing but the town was much less busier than it would be for a normal summer Saturday evening.

Matthew O’Callaghan, of the Melton Mowbray Food Partnership, told the Melton Times: “It was no surprise that some pubs didn’t open, preferring to err on the side of caution.

“The town had more of a buzz and atmosphere during the day on Saturday and, in the evening, Nigel’s buffet was a welcome and generous start to the ending of lockdown.”

Police have thanked Melton people for enjoying the reopening of pubs and restaurants in a safe and good natured manner.

Pc John Barlow posted a video from the town centre on social media on Saturday night in which he said: “There has been fun and there is music playing.

“Everyone is in good spirits.

“It’s absolutely fantastic - it’s a good spirit and you’ve done us proud.”

His words were echoed by Leicestershire Police Chief Constable, Simon Cole, who had a larger number of officers out on Saturday than there would be for a New Year’s Eve, patrolling the lockdown area in Leicester and the remainder of the county, where restrictions have eased for the nightime economy.

Outside of the protected area where lockdown rules have been eased, officers were on duty working under Operation Integrate, with police saying the vast majority of residents were seen to be complying with the government guidelines, acting responsibly and socialising safely.

Mr Cole said: “This time has been a huge challenge for all of us.

“We are effectively policing a force area where different government guidelines apply to different areas.

“But the way that my officers and staff have responded to this has simply been outstanding.

“Across the protected area of Leicester and the surrounds there was huge compliance with the lockdown rules.

“Throughout the rest of the force area, the vast majority of residents were acting responsibly and adhering to guidelines.

“Thank you for this and for working with us to keep our communities safe and protected.”

He praised the work of partners and Special Constables for their efforts over the weekend and sent a message to residents in areas of the county, such as Melton, where restrictions have been relaxed for the hospitality sector: “Please still ensure you are adhering to government guidelines, staying responsible, socialising safely and maintaining social distancing.

“This is about our lives and our livelihoods and we all need to continue working together in order to stay safe together.

“Thank you to the vast majority of you who have been and continue to work with us in this way.”