Cidery and Taproom, Hawkes is among a string of businesses hoping that they will soon be pulling their seating into the street as plans are submitted to Southwark council to transform the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile into a pedestrianised dining and drinking destination.
After over 10 weeks of closure, beer, cider and gin taprooms were once again able to open their doors to the public on the 4th July, following lockdown restrictions. Whilst early signs were encouraging, rail-arch dwelling institutions have pulled together a working group of businesses to propose that Southwark council action to bring forward an outdoor drinking overhaul, the likes of which has revitalised parts of Soho and other tourist spots in the UK.
Simon Wright, Founder of Bermondsey-based Hawkes Cidery said “It was a very sad day for us at Hawkes on the 20th March when the lockdown set in for the hospitality industry. In the past month we’ve worked with councillors and resident associations to create a business restart plan with customer safety at its core. The Bermondsey Beer mile is an epicentre of incredible craft drinks, amazing independent restaurants and start-up businesses that thrive in our unique high footfall location…it must survive!
Pre-lockdown we could have over 1000 people through the door on a Saturday. We knew that had to change to be safe. The new proposal for Saturday outdoor seating will seat people in safe social distanced groups in the open air and better control the flow of people in the area. The atmosphere with the new measures will help restart and re-shape the area, to become probably the best place in London to eat and drink out.”
Jack Hobday of Anspach & Hobday local brewery says “ Pedestrianisation of Druid street could really save jobs and businesses. Even with on-trade reopening, our capacity and takings are right down after months with no income. Pedestrianisation is a great opportunity to create something that works for the customers, supports businesses and creates safety for the local community
CONTACT: Simon Wright @ Hawkes Cider on 07920-743170