Pubs and restaurants fear lockdown job losses in Winsford and Middlewich

Licensees are worried about the damage the shutdown could have on the hospitality trade in the run up to Christmas and the New Year.

Pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops will close today for four weeks along with entertainment and leisure venues – including gyms – as well as hairdressers and beauty salons. As before, takeaways and food deliveries will be allowed.

By acting now, the government is hoping to 'save Christmas' but it is still unknown what restrictions could be in place.

Neil Sparkes, licensee of the newly refurbished Big Lock in Middlewich, said: "There is a lot of uncertainty around. We are worried that if the lockdown doesn't end on December 2 and we can't re-open, it would be a massive blow, end of the game.

Staff members Jack Bellis, general manager Rick Brown and Charlotte Smith at the opening of the refurbished Big Lock in Middlewich

"We were doing really well and have taken bookings for Christmas. Hopefully, the lockdown will halt the spread of the virus so that we can enjoy Christmas."

The canalside pub, which has 17 staff, will close today, Wednesday, for four weeks, alongside pubs, bars and restaurants across the country.

Italian restaurant Il Padrino in Middlewich has already seen a drop in bookings.

"We are very worried, " said mum-of-three Claire Halluni, who runs the Wheelock restaurant with husband Alberto. "Normally by now our diary is full for Christmas. For New Year's Eve, we would have a singer booked, live music and tables booked, a late licence and people dancing, but with the 10pm curfew and all the restrictions, we can't do it.

"These are very uncertain times. Alberto has always been very positive but we can't plan anything."

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The restaurant will close until November 18 to give staff a break and reopen as a takeaway, which operated very successfully during the last lockdown. Customers can phone or email orders and pick up their hot food in person.

"We are Covid safe," said Claire. "We all wear masks and social distancing is in place. Everything is very well regulated.

"It's not just us, the whole world is in this together, it's a massive thing," said Claire. "Hopefully people will feel confident and support their local businesses because otherwise we might not be here at the end of this. It is so worrying."

Allan Aston, who runs Al's Plaice fish and chip restaurant in Winsford, said: "It is a blow having to close but I think we need some kind of circuit breaker. The mass testing they are introducing in Liverpool needs to be rolled out through the whole country to give people confidence to come out."

Allan Aston will continue to offer a takeaway service at Al's Plaice in Winsford

Allan is closing his restaurant today but the kitchen will remain open to offer a takeaway service and Uber home deliveries.

"It worked out really well last time," said Allan. "We follow social distancing regulations so hopefully my loyal customers will continue to come."