RESTAURANTS, cafés and bars in Dorchester have announced when they will be welcoming back customers.

Businesses in Dorchester’s Brewery Square are reopening, following Government advice that all restaurants, cafés and bars were safe to do so from July 4.

Charlotte Spracklen, centre manager at Brewery Square, commented: “Businesses at Brewery Square have worked incredibly hard preparing for their re-openings, ensuring they can provide visitors with a safe, enjoyable experience. With many successfully accommodating customers with delivery and takeaway options over the lockdown period, it’s inspiring to see more doors open as we join forces to welcome visitors back to Brewery Square.”

Across the Square, Zizzi was one of the first to open its doors for a dine-in service yesterday, followed by Pizza Express on August 6.

Costa Coffee has been offering a takeaway-only service in the past weeks, alongside Seventh Seal’s café and Hendover Café, all of which are now fully open again with social distancing and safety measures in place. Wagamama continues to operate on a takeaway basis until its restaurant re-opens for dine-in on the week commencing August 10.

Vivo Lounge has also re-opened its doors for dine-in and takeaway, Creams Café for takeaway, and the Premier Inn Hotel has also reopened to guests visiting the area.

The eateries will join Brewery Square’s shops which have now all officially re-opened.

Brewery Square has implemented new health and safety measures, to ensure the wellbeing of all shoppers, staff, and businesses. Brewery Square has been offering support to all on-site businesses by providing health and safety guidelines, as well as additional two-metre distancing floor stickers and personal protective equipment (PPE) if needed.

Additional health and safety measures at the Square include newly placed sanitising stations, floor stickers in places where queuing is likely, and daily door handle cleaning. However, with visitor and staff wellbeing at front of mind, Brewery Square has also made the decision for fountains to remain switched off until next year.

Business opening times will vary, so customers are advised to check the Brewery Square website at www.brewerysquare.com and businesses’ own social media channels for up to date information. Additional re-opening plans will be announced in due course.