'If it's good enough for Rome it's good enough for Wakefield' - Outdoor cafe bar culture could be the future as city lifts out of lockdown

Government guidelines meant most establishments closed their doors at the end of March.

But with forthcoming relaxation of restrictions and new social distancing in place meaning much fewer people allowed inside at once, restaurateurs are learning to be creative to keep customers and staff safe while balancing the books.

With fingers firmly crossed for decent summer weather a lot of establishments are asking if it works for Paris, Venice or Rome could it work for Wakefield?

Jenny Thompson, owner of Cuban-themed Qubana, grill restaurant Robatary, and pizza place Fino in the city centre, said: “It goes without saying, that we are apprehensive and nervous, as we’re about to head in to the next stage of the unknown. Our main concern and focus is the safety of our staff returning to work, and our customers.

“But we are feeling optimistic about the next phase, and with guidance, support and some common sense, we feel we can safely open our outdoor areas to the public.

“The vibe we’re aiming for is simply bringing the Spanish and Cuban vibe of Qubana on to the streets. What ever we do, we try and do it professionally, something a little outside the box.

“It’s good to try and raise the bar for Wakefield, bringing something new and innovative to the city, and our ever growing dining culture.

“This is the perfect opportunity.”

Wakefield urged to #ShopLocal as city reopensMargaret Blackshaw, who owns Mocca Moocho cafe on Cross Street with husband Jamie, plans to bring chairs out in early July in the hope of sunlit summer views of Wakefield Cathedral.

She said: “There is no doubt whatsoever that the next few months is the biggest and challenging circumstances we have ever had to face.

“We are of course worried about the future of the hospitality industry and it’s not going to be the same for the foreseeable future. We will remain positive though and have been using the lockdown time to work hard at the cafe to redecorate and do essential maintenance ready for when we reopen.”

Wakefield Civic Society president Kevin Trickett said outdoor dining is a chance to change the city for the better in the long term.

He said: “People enjoy the outdoor cafe culture when they are on holiday, so why not bring some of that to Wakefield?

“The Covid epidemic might be focusing thoughts on how to survive the current problems, but I think we should see this also as a long-term opportunity.”

He said pedestrianisation and the width of footpaths would have to be taken into consideration when restaurants expand outside.

Another way, he said, was the European method of giving up part of a square for seating areas slightly away from the front of the cafe. This could work in the Bullring or the top of the cathedral precinct, he said. The idea has taken off in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where the city’s council announced plans to turn its squares into a huge open air cafe.

Closer to home the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has pledged £450,000 to redesign the city’s outdoor spaces with European style covering.

Similarly parts of the Deansgate and Northern Quarter areas of Manchester city centre have been pedestrianised.

Coun Darren Byford, Wakefield Council cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration said the council is looking at spaces in our towns and city with a view to reallocating some areas for outdoor dining that complies with social distancing rules.

He said each request would be considered against the impact on pedestrians, drivers, residents and other businesses.