LISTEN: Belfast restaurant owner delighted to reopen but nervous about another lockdown

A Belfast restaurant owner has welcomed being able to reopen but voiced trepidation over the potential of another closure.

Bob McCoubrey, owner of the Mourne Seafood Bar, said they are booked up across Friday and Saturday with many looking forward to eating out again.

The eatery has expanded to include an outdoor seating area to ensure customers can social distance during their visit.

He told the PA news agency: “Things are looking good but the question is how long will we be open for? That’s our problem. Will we get to Christmas or the new year?”

“It’s very wearying, the stop, start, stop start.

“We’re lucky we have the outside area. If we didn’t – it probably wouldn’t be worth opening.

“I just wish they (Stormont) would have done a proper lockdown eight weeks ago. They did a half-hearted one that didn’t really solve any problems, just closed down hospitality, and we’re no further forward.

“They have made such a mess out of it.”

The restaurant has donated 35 vouchers for their three course Christmas meal kit to a food bank after people got in touch to ask to buy a meal for those who needed it.

“The people in the foodbank are sorting out who would it suit because they’d have a bit of cooking to do themselves and access to the internet, but they are delighted,” he said.

Looking forward to 2021, Mr McCoubrey said the vaccination rollout and the return of tourism are vital.

He said: “Throughout the year 50-60% of our business would be through tourism. That has been made up this year because people from here have not been able to go on holiday. But the tourists who come here are good spenders, they don’t have to go to work the next day – it’s a different vibe.”

“It all depends on vaccination both in others countries and ours.

“In the next year we wouldn’t be overly confident. There are going to be a lot of issues, and then Brexit coming along and hitting supplies and prices.”

Following the reopening, The leaders of three key Belfast city centre stakeholders have issued a joint welcome back message to visitors returning to retail and hospitality venues. 

The Managing Director of Belfast One, the city's Business Improvement District - has joined Belfast Chamber and the Lord Mayor to encourage people to take sensible precautions to protect themselves. 

Kathleen McBride, managing director of Belfast One, which has invested almost £4 million in projects to enhance, support and promote the city centre over the last five years, said:

“It’s good news for our 800 businesses in the city centre that they can reopen during this crucial Christmas trading period but regrettable that wet bars remain closed. Safety measures have been put in place and investments have been made to keep customers and staff safe.

“We know that many people want to come into town and support local businesses and local jobs after what has been a year of unprecedented challenges for our city centre business community.”

Kathleen McBride, Managing Director of Belfast One joined Lord Mayor of Belfast City Council Alderman Frank McCoubrey (left) and the Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber Simon Hamilton to encourage people to take sensible precautions to protect themselves, other visitors and shop and hospitality staff.

Mrs McBride said she was urging everyone to think about their own safety and that of others as they enjoy shopping and dining in town.

She added: “It’s important to follow all public health advice, including wearing facemasks and regularly sanitising hands. Hand sanitising stations are available in stores and on city centre streets.