FOOD and drink businesses in Nortwhich have thanked customers for their support in the wake of them having to close following orders by the Prime Minister.

Pubs, restaurants, cafes and gyms across the UK were ordered to close by Boris Johnson on Saturday as the battle against the coronavirus continues.

The news, while accepted as an important necessity by business owners, has led Northwich bars and restaurants to look at how they can adapt to continue safely serving their community.

In Hartford, Chime has introduced a collection service on a range of takeaway meals, adding a few specials to its takeaway menu.

Customers can order over the phone then either collect from a serving hatch at the Chester Road restaurant or stay in their vehicle while a member of staff places the takeaway in the car boot.

Owner Sarah Walker said: “It has been a huge period of transition for us, as it has for everyone. We are trying to keep going and doing what we can for now while ensuring that our staff and customers remain safe.

“The support of the local community has been fantastic – we’d like to say a huge thank you for the continued love and support, it means so much to all of us.”

‘Chime to Go’ menus are available on the venue’s Facebook page Chime Hartford and orders can be made by calling 01606 872158.

In Northwich, Abda Ltd has implemented a non-contact delivery service providing a range of menus spanning everything from breakfast, lunch and dinner options, cakes and loaves, to wholesale delivery of items such as coffee beans and loose leaf tea.

The café, on Crown Street, is also currently running a takeout service with a one in, one out rule, and measures are in place to keep people at a safe distance from each other.

Owner Abda Obeid-Findley, said: “A lot has happened in the space of a week and we’ve just been adapting and reacting to things as best we can.

“Like everyone I feel so overwhelmed, but I can’t thank my customers enough for the support they’ve shown, whether that’s ordering from us or simply sending messages of support – it’s been really moving.

“My family and staff have been absolutely amazing too – it’s obviously a very worrying time for all of us, but the love and support they’ve given to me has been incredible. I think this situation will either bring out the best or the worst in people and for me, it’s brought out the best in our community.

“I think now it’s a case of us taking stock, and the next step might the local community what they want from us and how we can best serve their needs, safely of course.”

Delivery menus are available at the café’s Facebook page Abda Ltd and orders can be made by calling 01606 333813.

At Gadbrook Park Chris Buck, owner of Caffe Arabica, has closed his café but set up a farm shop and deli for items such as bread, cheese, milk, meat, fruit and vegetables.

He said: “We do have essential supplies available, but we are asking people to phone ahead to check on stock levels as, understandably, the supply line is under pressure.”

Chris is also looking for ways to help the wider community and is keen to find out how he can offer his services to help with the delivery of care packages to the vulnerable.

He said: “We’ve got the facilities to be able to help. I have refrigerated vans, so I’m looking to see if there are any organisations I can speak with to help get care packages out to these people. If there is anyone out their who can advise, please get in touch.”

Enquiries and orders can be made by calling Arabica Caffe on 01606 354444, and updates are availble on their Twitter page Caffe Arabica.

While the doors at The Salty Dog are staying closed, the team is looking at ways they can offer some virtual light relief for their customers during this period.

Owner Chris Mundie said: “Everyone needs to do their bit, we have to do our bit and hopefully we should be back open again once everything is done and dusted.

“We’re thinking of a few bits and bobs we can do over social media. We’re going to do an online quiz, we just need to work out the logistics of it, but it would be nice to get people together online for a little bit of fun.

“We’re also going to be figuring out a Tatton Beer delivery system too – we’ve just to get our thinking caps on about how we’re going to do that.”

Follow The Salty Dog on Facebook for updates about their pub quiz and email sales@tattonbrewery.co.uk