PLEASE cancel if you can’t make it to a pub or restaurant booking - don’t be a ‘no show.’

That’s the plea from the hospitality sector in Salisbury as the city gets back on its feet after the latest Covid lockdown.

Outdoor hospitality was able to reopen from April 12.

Venues with gardens, outside tables and seating areas have been incredibly busy as people have reconnected in the good weather.

And in another huge and long awaited step forward, indoor hospitality can finally get back to business from May 17 after months of being shut down. 

Booking is essential

Booking is now essential to reserve a table at a pub, café or restaurant.

And while no shows have always been an issue in the sector, it’s an even more pressing one because of the pandemic, with the effects of months of closure and reduced covers due to social distancing rules hitting so many local firms hard.

It’s a problem for all businesses, big and small, including national chains. 

But it’s especially important for small independents not to have no shows to deal with, in a sector where margins are tight.

Salisbury Journal:

'It's really selfish'

Andy Maul, of Maul’s Cheese and Wine, an independent family business, said the city has been buzzing since unlocking and should be very proud of its hospitality sector.

He said: “People are so pleased to see us back and there are some lovely, positive stories to tell.”

But he said no shows were a real problem in the industry and some people were even booking multiple venues at the same time - and then choosing which to go to at the last minute.

He said: “It’s really selfish and it can severely affect those businesses.

"It is also demoralising for owners and staff.

"It’s only a very small minority of people, though.

"The vast majority of our loyal and new customers are brilliant.

"We have had a really solid start since reopening so I am very pleased.”

'None of us can afford it'

Robert Daley, landlord and owner of The Bell and Crown, said a no show booking was “just money wasted”.

The pub doesn’t have outdoor seating so will not be open until May 17.

But he also runs the Salisbury Museum café, which has already suffered from no shows.

He said: “We are so looking forward to getting back to business but I would really urge people to let us know if they can’t make it and not just fail to turn up.

"It’s really important for us - and a no show booking is just money wasted and none of us can afford it.”

Salisbury Journal: The Bell and CrownThe Bell and Crown

'Let the venue know if you can't make it'

Business manager at Salisbury BID, Dan Collins, said: “We have an absolutely fantastic hospitality sector in Salisbury with a vast range of amazing venues. 

“We are all really looking forward to the full reopening indoors from May 17.

"We would love everyone to support hospitality in any way they can, and that definitely includes turning up to your booking or letting the venue know if you can’t make it.”

Experience Salisbury again

If you’re going out to support the city centre again, you can help by following some simple Covid safety guidance:

  • Maintain social distancing 
  • Follow all necessary hygiene measures - hands, face, space 
  • Follow safety advice inside and outside shops - take notice of any guidance in shop windows as to how many customers are allowed at any one time 
  • Queue considerately and be patient 
  • Respect our hardworking shopworkers 
  • Try to avoid peak times 
  • Have contact details ready when visiting hospitality venues

The Journal is running the Experience Salisbury Campaign with the BID.

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