FAMILIES and friends will be able to celebrate Christmas at The Kinderton but must follow Covid rules.

Some evenings are already fully booked as staff prepare to welcome back guests tomorrow, Wednesday.

A Christmas tree is in place and decorations are festooned around the restaurant and outside.

Northwich Guardian:

Mixed households can enjoy a Christmas meal on tables of 6 outside at The Kinderton

Director Shaun Ellison said: "We are trying to make it as welcome and festive as possible. We want to give people the chance to get out of the house and try and have some peace and normality.

"Being in Tier Two, we can only open as a restaurant and not as a traditional pub serving just drinks. This means that every guest has to order a main meal from our menu. The consumption of alcohol is only permitted alongside a meal, but must be proportionate at all times.

"To adhere to this rule, we have set a maximum table duration time of two hours and 30 minutes for each booking, depending on the size of the party."

Customers are being asked to be co-operative and adhere to the new Covid rules imposed by government regulations.

Northwich Guardian:

A festive welcome awaits families and friends at The Kinderton - but everyone must stick to Covid rules

A maximum of six people, who must be from the same household or social bubble, can share a table in the restaurant.

Mixed households in tables of six must sit in the outdoor areas.

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"We have got plenty of outdoor space where mixed groups can meet," said Shaun. "We are already fully booked for Saturday evenings on December 5 and 12. Our Christmas afternoon teas are also proving very popular."

Northwich Guardian:

Christmas afternoon teas are already proving very popular

All employees have now been taken off furlough and extra temporary staff recruited to cope with the busy festive period.

New opening hours have been introduced. The restaurant will open at 12 noon from Monday to Sunday, closing at 11pm every night with the exception of Sunday when guests must leave by 9.30pm.

Guests will be required to wear face coverings when entering and moving around the venue.

"This December is going to completely different to any we have had before but we just need to get on with it," said Shaun. "We have continued to invest in our outdoor area to make it as welcoming as possible for family and friends to meet up over the festive period.

"We can't wait to welcome guests back. We urge everyone who visits to co-operate with us and adhere to the regulations to make life easier for the guys on the floor."

Bookings are being taken for two and three course Christmas meals, a Christmas sharing platter and Christmas afternoon tea.

New regulations will be in place and customers are asked to be patient and co-operate.