Morecambe prepares to open for business as hospitality sector welcomes route out of lockdown

Hotels, restaurants and pubs are optimistic about a good summer in Morecambe, with strong bookings and the potential for a "staycation" boom as England prepares to leave lockdown.
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"Morecambe is open for business," says Conservative Coun Charlie Edwards, who represents Morecambe South and is the co-owner of the Boardwalk Pub in Marine Road West.

"Following the successes of the vaccines, Boris was right to have a cautiously optimistic approach for 2021," he said.

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"Business owners have planned and prepared for this and it's great to finally have dates to work towards.”

Morecambe is gearing up to re-open to visitors in spring/summer 2021.Morecambe is gearing up to re-open to visitors in spring/summer 2021.
Morecambe is gearing up to re-open to visitors in spring/summer 2021.

Those dates include proposals for the re-opening of beer gardens on April 12, followed by indoor venues on May 17.

Many outdoor events would also be able to take place after May 17.

More details HERE.By June 21, life would be pretty much back to normal under the plan, when even nightclubs and music festivals would be able to resume.

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This would all be subject to review however - and "based on the latest data at every step", said the Prime Minister.

Charlie Edwards and Lee Wallet at The Boardwalk.Charlie Edwards and Lee Wallet at The Boardwalk.
Charlie Edwards and Lee Wallet at The Boardwalk.

Mark Needham, from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, which runs the Midland Hotel in Morecambe, is also optimistic.

From April 12 The Midland is aiming to run an outdoor dining experience from the Rotunda Bar.

But for now, it will continue with its ‘kitchen to car park’ food takeaway service until mid-April.

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Mark said: "We will continue to prepare in line with the government's proposed timetable.

Morecambe BayMorecambe Bay
Morecambe Bay

"Bookings are looking strong for the summer months so we're optimistic.

"The TV series The Bay has helped increase interest in the Midland and there is lots of interest from local diners as well as potential 'staycationers'.

"We also hope to hold our annual Seafood Festival in July, with Covid secure measures in place of course.”

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Paul Bury, director of The Lothersdale Hotel and Aspect Bar and Bistro, said the government's roadmap out of lockdown is very welcome, after "an exceptionally challenging time for everyone", with the hospitality sector hardest hit.

Mark Needham, general manager at The Midland Hotel.Mark Needham, general manager at The Midland Hotel.
Mark Needham, general manager at The Midland Hotel.

He said: "Morecambe had grown its evening economy over the past few years with a range of quality eateries and bars that give the town a really positive vibe.

"With foreign travel still uncertain for this coming summer, the staycation is already showing signs of being exceptionally popular.

"May bank holiday weekend is nearly sold out for us already and the bookings for Aspect are coming in really fast every day, it's already looking to be a very busy summer season for the town.

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"The positive impact on tourism of The Bay TV series along with increased media coverage of Eden will only push more visitors in to the area, so it's essential we are ready to welcome customers once again.

"There will still be some social distancing measures until mid summer at the earliest and venues that have been closed throughout will be busy ensuring COVID safe measures are implemented to reassure our customers and employees that opening is safe to do so."

The Alhambra, in Morecambe's West End, re-opened briefly last year following a major investment and makeover.Nick Awde, one of its three directors, said the venue was "definitely ready for the easing of restrictions".

Paul Bury, from The Lothersdale Hotel and Aspect Bar and Bistro.Paul Bury, from The Lothersdale Hotel and Aspect Bar and Bistro.
Paul Bury, from The Lothersdale Hotel and Aspect Bar and Bistro.

He has been meeting regularly with members of the Music Venues Alliance (MVA) - which represents grassroots music venues in the UK - to work out a safe way for the return of live music and events.

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He said: "We've spent lockdown working hard on various set-ups that will help us negotiate reopening and we have a Covid-safe seating/tables configuration for an audience of 168 that's ready to go for music.

"We're being cautious of course, and as members of the Music Venues Alliance, we'll be helped with the roadmap that they're working out for grassroots music venues.

"At the moment, from May we plan to open the front bar on Sunday afternoons from 1pm.

"Bookings have been coming in steadily, and from June we will again be holding events.

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"Aside from music, July will see the two-week Touch Festival – Covid-safe installations/performances about how people have coped with isolation – and hopefully the Comedy Circus will be up and running too.

"From August I don't think we have a free Saturday night until late December.

"Things are changing obviously, so for up to date information on events check our website www.alhambralive.com."

John O'Neill, manager of Morecambe BID, said that the BID is considering a similar campaign to the {https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/uk-news/morecambe-launches-simple-pleasures-campaign-newspapers-across-north-west-businesses-see-visitors-return-staycation-holidays-2944215'Simple Pleasures'} one it launched last year.

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The marketing campaign aimed to attract people to Morecambe who enjoy fresh sea air, stunning views and outdoor activities.

He said: "Morecambe BID welcomes the decision by the Government to plot a clear route out of lockdown.

It's been a tough time for everyone and a return to normality is to be welcomed.

"We do urge the Government, if they are now relying on data, to look at opening sectors quicker if the science is pointing to positive indications rather than the rigid timetable where things can only be pushed back.

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"Morecambe BID will be working with businesses and the authorities to ensure that Morecambe is back to its old welcoming self.

"Last year we ran the 'Simple Pleasures' press campaign across the North of England which extolled the virtues of Morecambe as a fantastic place to come, and we are considering a similar campaign this year to encourage people here for their staycation.

"After all, we are the Eden of the North."

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