Some businesses have finally managed to regain a foothold after being knocked for six by the pandemic. But for bars and restaurants, the challenge has only just begun.
Whilst the general public are awaiting July 4 (the day pubs could reopen) with bated breath, the venues themselves aren’t filled with the same giddy optimism.
Social distancing rules and regulations have rendered ‘normal’ customer serving methods impossible, and for the smaller, independent bars we all know and love, finding a solution is proving panic-inducingly difficult.
That’s why seatd are stepping in to help.
This innovative tech system allows customers to order food and drink to their seats without the need to fill in forms, download an app or pre-order beforehand. All they need to do is scan a code on the table – and choose their serving preferences (bring to the table, collect at the till, or a specified pickup point).
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It’s easy for customers. It’s easy for venues. And everyone stays safe.
Through user-friendly design and technology, guests are invited to view digital menus on their phones – complete with food/drinks and dietary requirements.
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The web-app also features a unique back-of-house system, so businesses can track live orders clearly and efficiently – with an admin panel sitting on a tablet or laptop next to existing POS systems.
Every customer will also be given the option to donate to a local charity, at no extra cost to the venue.
Despite the straitjacket being thrown onto the hospitality sector, seatd has found a way to create environments where people still have freedom in how they order and pay.
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The brainchild of hospitality tech specialists Craig Davies, Matt Gibbs, Stephen Powell and Jack Woodward, the seatd software has been developed over the last three months and is being rolled out to venues ahead of the grand bar/pub/restaurant reopening next month.
Wikimedia Commons
Craig Davies, co-founder of seatd said: “seatd was born out of our love and understanding of the hospitality industry and what would be essential in supporting its recovery when doors reopen.
“With safety of paramount importance to us, we want to work closely with venues to help them get back on their feet, providing them with tech that helps them comply with social distancing measures.
“We’re so proud to have developed seatd. There’s absolutely no setup costs, and it’s really easy to use. Venues can literally be up in running in a matter of minutes.”
Fellow co-founder Steve Powell added: “While people are searching for a balance between peace of mind and returning to life, seatd hopes to reassure any apprehensions and help the public to enjoy the future of social hospitality and also ensure much-loved venues are able to stay trading safely and successfully.”
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Alongside seatd, Craig Davies and Stephen Powell are co-founders of the award winning Viper app, which enables customers to pre-book tables and drinks at bars in Manchester including Manahatta, Dirty Martini, Impossible and BLVD.
For more information on seatd, visit their website. Venues can get in touch right now for support with any social distancing measures.
You can also follow them on social media: @beseatd.
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Nine arrested in multiple coordinated raids after ‘celebrating Hitler’s birthday’ in Oldham pub
Danny Jones
Nine arrests were made earlier this week after a group of suspected neo-Nazis were discovered celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham last month.
Alarming stuff, to say the least.
The individuals in question were arrested following a series of coordinated morning raids across multiple areas of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport.
Another man was taken into custody from an address in Southport, with those involved belonging to the North West arm of a far-right group known simply as ‘British Movement’.
Craft Union Pubs, who operate the establishment, said they were “absolutely appalled”. (Credit: Google Maps)
The pub in question was the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton, a town of around 21,000 people located in north Oldham; the owners, who were said to have been ‘tricked’ into allowing the celebrations, were shocked to learn the group were observing Hitler’s birthday.
Upon realising the true nature of the festivities after images were shared on social media, staff immediately reported the party to the local authorities and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers based in and around the borough were then made aware of the situation.
As seen online – including on British Movement Northern’s (BMN) own website – the pub were seen holding Nazi flags, SS bolts and the Iron Cross, even posting pictures eating a cake with swastika icing alongside captions which included the line, “the 136th birthday of Uncle A.”
Taking place on Wednesday morning, 7 May, several morning raids saw those present detained on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which relate to displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred.
During the extensive operation, everything from imitation firearms to real weapons like swords and a crossbow, along with numerous other pieces of Nazi memorabilia were found. Police are still investigating the incident and searching the relevant premises in Oldham and beyond.
Beyond shocking. (Credit: BMN)
GMP have been quick to contact Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) to advise on the materials and assess further risk; for instance, following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed and the item declared safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in an official statement: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP-led investigation.
“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.
“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.”
Naturally, GMP are encouraging people to stay vigilant and come forward with any further information or concerns they may have.
Featured Images — British Movement Northern/GMP/Google Maps
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
The Manc -
17th June 2020 
