BUOYANT businesses are looking to the future with optimism after seeking bookings for al fresco drinking and dining skyrocket in anticipation of the lockdown being eased further.

Bosses at the Seven Hotel, overlooking Southend seafront, revealed its terrace offering spectacular views of the Thames Estuary, has been booked up for weeks.

They spoke as hopes mounted for a bumper summer’s trade from April 12 – the date set by the Prime Minister for people can meet socially outside.

A ban on foreign travel could also lead to a surge in visitors, bosses say.

Sadiq Chikte, the manager of the Seven Hotel, in Clifton Terrace, said: “It will really busy, but Covid safe at the same time. Our views are amazing, and the beauty of them attract people here. It’s what brings people in.

“We’re also bringing back our seafood platter for the re-opening. That alongside our tapas menu also catches the eye of visitors. People can’t go abroad so that’s what will bring people in too.”

Sarah Welton, 63, owner of Sarah’s Tea Gardens in Old Leigh, is looking forward to getting back to business.

READ MORE:

She added: “We know we’ll be really busy. We can get 40 people out the front, and that will all be full as soon as we’re open.

“The fact that we are dog friendly really helps us bring customers in.

“I really miss having the buzz of people in the garden. It’s the background noise that we are all missing.

“We’ve taken a lot of bookings, and we haven’t even fully advertised it yet.

“We’re really excited to be welcoming people back.”

Businesses prepared for a Covid-secure return as Southend Council said it would encourage visitors to “visit Southend safely”, in a change of messaging from March 29.

Seafront car parks will also re-open on the same date.

Martin Terry, councillor in charge of community safety, said: “The change of messaging coincides with the end of lockdown. We’re expecting a lot of visitors to come down. Everyone’s got cabin fever.

“We’re improving our signage, both on the floor and our usual social distancing signs.

“The signs on the floor will be outside venues to make sure people are standing apart.”

The plans for reopening came as the Government awarded cash to councils as part of its Welcome Back scheme to help high streets and towns move out of lockdown.

Southend will be given £228,000, Basildon £165,000, Castle Point £144,000, and Rochford £77,000.

The news was welcomed by James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, who said: “I know this has been a very difficult 12 months for our high street and businesses, and I am determined to secure the funding our town needs to recover from this pandemic.”

From April 12, libraries and community centre can open, while self-catering holidays are allowed.

At funerals, 30 mourners will be allowed, with 15 guests allowed at weddings.
But households cannot mix indoors, holidays abroad are not permitted and hotels and B&Bs cannot open.