‘I can’t wait until we have music back’ – Bruce MacGregor and other landlords are looking forward to welcoming back customers to Inverness bars on Monday with the further easing of coronavirus restrictions
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Landlords across Inverness are gearing up for the return of outdoor hospitality on Monday with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Pubs and bars which are lucky enough to have a beer garden or outside tables will be once again opening their doors next week with the further easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Bruce MacGregor, who runs MacGregor’s bar in Academy Street, said: “We are looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality. I think all the staff are absolutely desperate to get back to work and meet people again.
“Obviously we have got to be very careful with how we are dealing with things and all the rules that have to be adhered to but, the fact is, we are open and we are really looking forward to that – I can’t wait until we can actually have music back in the place but one step at a time.”
He said the customers would also be looking forward to returning to the beer garden, adding: “We are really lucky with the beer garden area we have got, it is a bit of a sun trap throughout the day, so it is really good, and we added in heaters and we have got around 14 tables with all the social distancing required.
“So you can have quite a nice buzz with everyone being there without everyone getting on top of each other. There have been loads of the regulars getting in touch saying ‘I can’t wait’.”
City venue Botanic House is also preparing to welcome back customers with a brand new al fresco dining area.
The newly constructed Botanic Terrace will allow diners to enjoy the Castle Street venue’s new food and drink menu in the open air, in compliance with Scottish Government guidelines.
Manager Tom Wilding said: “The Botanic Terrace will open for the easing of anti-coronavirus restrictions on Monday, April 26, and will remain open from 2pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday and from noon to 1pm at the weekend. We’ll then be back Thursday to Sunday the following week.
“We can’t wait to see you. Keep your fingers crossed for lots of sunshine.”
Diners can book their 90 minute table slots now via the Botanic House website.
