While there are many operators desperate to reopen as soon as possible, some are choosing to remain shut, despite being given the green light by government.
According to a recent survey by UK Hospitality of 15,000 pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and visitor attractions, less than half (42pc) said they would reopen by July 4, with 17pc preparing to wait until later in the month.
Four in 10 venues plan to resume operations in August, September or October, with some saying they may wait even later.
Pubs in particular have voiced their frustration over the government’s failure to provide the industry with adequate notice to reopen their sites. Industry chiefs had warned that pubs needed at least three weeks’ notice, but with the announcement made by Johnson only last week, the sector has been given just 10 days to prepare.
Pub chain Young’s has delayed reopening its 276 sites until July 20, while Shepherd Neame expects to have around two-thirds of its 308 watering holes open for business by the end of July.
For businesses like Baloo’s, it will be a case of riding out the uncertainty until the Government comes forward with more clarity.
“It would be devastating if we can’t open anytime soon. We’ve got a pot of money in the bank but when that goes we’re kind of stuck,” Coombs says.
“It’s a troubling time for everyone involved. With good old British resilience hopefully we’ll bounce back and rise up from it all.”