West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised the efforts of pubs and restaurants across the county who have been welcoming customers back to their outdoor spaces.

Changes in covid regulations mean that people are now able to drink and dine outside in groups of six and as weather conditions improve, more local people are going out to visit their favourite venues as they re-open.

Harriett visited Stanbrook Abbey, in Powick, which has constructed a teepee in its grounds to allow groups to dine in a covid-safe way. Bookings for the rest of the year are strong as people look to catch up on missed celebrations, weddings and other special occasions.

The MP worked closely with the hotel during periods of lockdown as the hotel management accessed support schemes including the furlough scheme but almost all staff are now back and the team is now developing plans to expand.

Harriett said: “The vaccination programme continues at pace and more and more people have had their second jab. If you are invited, please make sure you take up the chance to get vaccinated as it continues to be the key to fully opening up our economy and getting back to doing the things we love. 

“Hospitality businesses have gone to extraordinary lengths to be able to trade within the regulations and as I travel around West Worcestershire I see more and more pubs building outdoor structures to allow customers back having drinks or meals.

“I’m getting strong indications that businesses are confident about re-opening and are looking forward to a bumper summer when the regulations are further relaxed.

“Of course this needs us all to be sensible and follow the rules but with more people getting their second jabs in the county, I hope that the Government will follow data, not dates, when allowing us to get back to a normal way of life.”