BARS and restaurants are ‘really in the festive spirit’ as they gear up for this month’s Christmas parties – after they were ‘effectively cancelled’ in 2020.
Christmas is traditionally the most popular period for work and social parties and one of the busiest periods during the year for the hospitality industry.
Due to the tier system and restricted social mixing indoors and outdoors, across Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas, Christmas parties could not feasibly happen in 2020.
Venues around Dorset have spoken of their optimism about the festive period and how bookings are almost full despite some concerns about the Omicron coronavirus variant and rising Covid-19 cases.
While some restaurants around the country have reported cancelled bookings, Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently urged people not to cancel Christmas parties and not amend their festive plans.
'To get Christmas parties back is so important'
Ciaran Telford, assistant manager of Nautico Lounge, said he ‘couldn’t wait’ to welcome Christmas parties into the Weymouth restaurant and bar this month.
He said: “It is great to be able to do them again. Especially for us as we have a chilled-out place here and love bringing people together.
“That’s also what it’s about, people getting together and having a great time. To get Christmas parties back is so important.”
Mr Telford admitted the St Thomas Street restaurant still had availability for Christmas parties and encouraged anyone interested to book ‘as soon as possible’.
He said: “We still have spaces (for Christmas parties). It has not been fully booked but maybe it’s people being cautious about Covid.
“We’re a bit of a different venue for a Christmas party in all fairness. We have been here for five to six years and some years have been massively busy while others not so busy.”
Explaining why Christmas party bookings could be down, Mr Telford added: “I think it’s being cautious and people wanting to do other stuff. It’s hard to tell.
“Covid does put people off doing things even if there’s measures to keep people safe. People are wary which is understandable."
Bar 'really in the festive spirit' ahead of Christmas parties
Another popular venue for Christmas parties, Vivo Lounge in Dorchester’s Brewery Square, were 'really in the festive spirit' ahead of the Christmas parties in their bar.
Supervisor Leanne Stone said they have already ‘got the ball rolling’ and preparing for 1,500 people estimated to be visiting for their respective Christmas parties.
But she noted that the venue is awaiting any further announcements on hospitality or any Covid-19 related restrictions from the Government.
Miss Stone said: “I am really looking forward and we’re overwhelmed with all the bookings to be fair.
“We have quite a few Christmas parties booked in. We’re aware of the variant and we have some people messaging asking questions about it but we haven’t been given any rules so we’re staying with social distance rules, you can wear masks and we’re doing regular cleaning.
“Until Boris says the new rules, our hands are tied. Hopefully it shouldn’t affect us too much.
“It’s nerve-wracking as we had such a bad Christmas last year so we’re excited ordering things in, and boom new Covid news, people are nervous. I don’t want peoples’ Christmas to be cancelled or ruined.”
Vivo Lounge will also be supporting Weldmar Hospice this Christmas period with a range of events and activities in a bid to raise money for the charity.
While social distancing measures are still in place, tables and chairs are spaced out from each other and sofas have been put back in the lounge area to accommodate customers.
Miss Stone said: “We’re firmed up, ready to go, excited but nervous. It’s going to be a busy one but we have some good team members and it’s going to be great.
“We really hope Christmas parties don’t get cancelled again. You can feel it that people are getting nervous but people are looking to have fun and get loose.
“We’re looking forward to seeing happy drunk smiles at our place.”
Other firms 'full' despite reports of bookings being cancelled elsewhere
Despite cancellations of Christmas party bookings elsewhere in the country, The Kings Arms in Sherborne say they are ‘full’ and had ‘no cancellations yet’.
Owner Tony Lethbridge said: “We’re currently full (for Christmas party bookings).
“Our first day of Christmas parties was on Thursday and we had over 100 people booked.
“It’s all happening here with people eating Christmas food, popping crackers and all sorts with good drinks.”
Mr Lethbridge said his restaurant is expected to be a third down on what they usually have for Christmas bookings, but was just happy to be hosting guests for their festive celebrations.
Weymouth’s Royal Hotel is hoping for a festive period to remember, as it prepares to welcome an influx of guests to the town – whilst also offering the chance to win a festive afternoon tea for two.
Denise Watts, General Manager of the Royal Hotel, said: “In hospitality, Christmas is a time to spread joy and we want people to know our doors are very much open for everyone.
“We’re hoping our winter package will encourage guests to make the most of our great food and drink offering and enjoy Weymouth at Christmas time.”
As part of the Royal Hotel’s winter package, guests can enjoy a one-night stay starting from £95 a night — including a voucher to spend on food and drink during their stay.
Other festive deals include Christmas day lunch for £39.95 per adult and £19.95 per child, a festive afternoon tea for two at £22.95 or seeing in the new year with a celebratory dinner for just £49.95 per person.
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