MANY RESTAURANTS and pubs across the country have been busy preparing their outdoor areas ready for the April 12 reopening.
However, one Bolton business has gone the extra mile to ensure customers are warm and comfortable during their al fresco dining experience.
The Cherry Tree at Blackrod on Chorley Road caused quite a stir when they posted a video of their new and improved outdoor dining area to Facebook.
(Facebook/@cherrytreeatblackrod)
Customers remarked that the new area looked "fantastic".
One person commented: “Looks fabulous and done to a very high standard as usual.”
Tom Taylor is the owner of The Cherry Tree at Blackrod and he said a lot of thought has gone into the outdoor area- and it’s an investment that will serve the company well for years to come.
He said: “We have put up some temporary marquees and outdoor seating.
“Guest can expect heaters, branded blankets and fairy lights...we tried to make the outdoor area as appealing and comfortable as possible”.
Remarking on the public’s reaction, Tom said: “It’s proven to be very popular- I don’t think we’ve ever had as much social media engagement as this.”
The outdoor area can seat up to 136 people- and Tom said the plans to improve and expand upon the business don’t end there.
He said: “Behind the scenes we are still working hard. We are in the middle of building a new service kitchen ready for winter, so when we move inside we can still facilitate a lot of outdoor reservations.“
While he appreciated the financial struggles that accompanied the pandemic, Tom remarked that he “liked a challenge” and found lockdown “quite enjoyable”.
He added: “We’ve actually come out of it in a stronger position- we’ve learned a lot and we have adapted our business.
“It’s opened our eyes to what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.”
During the summer months, Tom’s aim is to restore the restaurant’s high level of trade.
He said: “We are thinking about launching some weekly events in summer- but this depends on future restrictions so nothing is set in stone yet.”
However, the new and improved outdoor area has opened Tom’s eyes to future events further down the line.
He said: “Thinking ahead to events in the winter, it would be great to host a Christmas marquee winter wonderland event with hog roasts and live music.”
Due to popular demand, the restaurant is fully booked until May- but you can still reserve your table by visiting the company website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel