COUNCILLORS from Malvern Hills District Council have shown their support to a restaurant which has reopened to the public following a temporary closure.
The Inn at Welland, which opened its doors on September 16, is welcoming back customers once again after implementing extra safety measures to their existing stringent cleaning procedures.
Owners David and Gillian Pinchbeck took the decision to close temporarily after staff received abusive phone calls and comments on social media following the announcement of three positive coronavirus cases at the restaurant (including two staff members).
Councillors Sarah Rouse and Mick Davies paid a visit last week to show their support to staff and talk to the owners about the abuse they had received.
At the time, Public Health England confirmed The Inn was already operating under robust Covid-19 procedures, the restaurant has since gone even further to make sure their customers are safe.
During the closure, staff were tested for coronavirus and received negative results. They are required to wear masks or visors at all times and continue to follow their strict cleaning procedures.
Customers are temperature checked on arrival at the restaurant and must wear a mask when moving around the restaurant.
The family-run restaurant, which boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand and two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, serves classic British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Gillian Pinchbeck, Owner of The Inn at Welland, said: “We are so pleased to welcome our customers back and we are thankful for the support.
“We want to get the message out there that we have always followed, and continue to follow, stringent coronavirus safety procedures here at The Inn.
“The welfare of our staff and customers is of the utmost importance to us”.
Coun Sarah Rouse, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said it was wonderful to see venue open its doors to the public.
“We really hope to see it thrive once more.
“It is so shocking to hear about the abuse they have received.
“I want to praise the staff for being so honest and proactive in their approach to customer safety.
“Coronavirus can affect anyone and we should expect to see outbreaks.
“We have all got a responsibility to keep each other safe by washing hands, wearing a face coverings and social distancing.
“Even if it’s a mild symptom it is really important to isolate immediately and get a test.”
