The White Horse at Chester Racecourse to re-open on Saturday 4 July #Blog

Briony Wilson
26th June 2020

The White Horse are delighted to confirm that the family-favourite gastro pub at the heart of Chester Racecourse will open its doors to the general public on Saturday 4 July.

The restaurant team have been working hard during lockdown to establish new working practices and protocols that adhere to government guidelines, whilst ensuring customers and staff are protected, without compromising the dining experience.

Customers can expect to see many of the usual favourites featured in the new menu, including crispy katsu chicken, a selection of burgers and the kids favourite; make your own pizza.

Restaurant opening hours are between 12 – 8pm Monday to Saturday and 12 – 7pm on Sundays. Free parking and free WIFI are available on-site and with free parking available at the racecourse throughout June and July, diners can take a stroll into town or around the track before or after they’ve visited.

Chester Race Company Restaurant Group Manager, Lynsey Jones, said:

“We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure there is a fantastic dining experience ready and waiting for our customers on re-opening, whilst ensuring visitors and our team are kept safe.

“We have implemented some changes to the way we deliver our service, but customers can expect an uncompromised experience, with the same great food delivered by our conscientious team.” The online booking system is now live online at www.thewhitehorsechester.co.uk

Tables can also be booked over the phone: 01244 304 650. Alternatively, please email [email protected]

To help answer any questions The White Horse have put together a list of FAQs. The team are also happy to answer any queries via the contact channels above.

FAQs

Q: When will you re-open?

A: Following the greenlight from UK Government, we are pleased to confirm that we will be opening our doors on Saturday 4 July.

Q: Can I just turn up or do I have to make a booking?

A: So as to allow us to maintain social distancing, manage our restaurant capacity and ensure our customers have the best possible experience you will need to pre-book a table to dine. To book, visit www.thewhitehorsechester.co.uk call us on 01244 304 650 or email us [email protected]

Q: What steps have you taken to ensure customer and staff safety?

A: As part of our re-opening plan, we have spaced all of our inside and outside tables by a minimum of 2 metres. We have installed hand sanitising stations at the entrance to the pub and outside all of our toilet facilities. There are also Perspex sneeze screens in areas where we cannot ensure the correct distancing. On arrival, you will be met by one of our team and personally escorted to your pre-booked table where you will receive the full White Horse friendly service. Once at your table, you will be provided with a single-use menu (or the option to order your food via the Qbunk app if you are dining outside).

Q: What about sanitising surfaces and touch points in the building?

A: All tables will be sanitised after each guest has finished dining. All door handles and frequently touched areas will be sanitised every hour.

Q: What about PPE for your staff?

A: We are adhering to specific Government advice which confirms face coverings are only suggested where social distancing isn’t feasible. Rather than wearing gloves which can lead to poor hygiene controls, our teams will follow a more robust process of hand washing on a regular basis.

Q: Do you check your team’s temperatures before starting work, to ensure they are not asymptomatic or spreading the virus to your customers?

A: While Government guidance is that temperature checking is not mandatory, we will be conducting daily and weekly health checks with our team members.

Q: What about toilet facilities?

A: We have put in place a ‘Lock and light’ system. Each of our three toilets will now allow only one person or family in at a time. You will lock the door behind you, press a button which displays a red or green light outside the toilet lobby. We have also increased the number of toilets available meaning customers dining outside do not need to enter the restaurant to use the facilities.

Q: Is the menu the same as before?

A: So as to enable social distancing, we have had to reduce our menu slightly. All of our crowd pleasers are still there, the rest will return as and when the Government guidelines are relaxed.

Q: Will you be serving the same menu outside?

A: We will only be serving our delicious BBQ menu outside, however there will still be fantastic choices for you.

Q: Is the playground open?

A: Yes, the playground will be open for children to enjoy. As per government guidelines with all outside play areas opening from Saturday 4 July, we are asked to remind you to be socially aware when allowing your children to us the facility. We do not operate a manned supervision of this play area so it is parents’ responsibility to monitor their own children’s use of the equipment. We encourage you maintain safe 2m distance & should the playground be busy perhaps avoid use until another time, please wash hands or use sanitiser after use.

Q: What is the Qbunk app?

A: The Qbunk app enables outside diners to pre-book their food and drinks prior to arrival. Download the app, browse The White Horse menu, order and pay from your phone. Your order will be delivered direct to your table. Don’t worry if you haven’t placed your order before you arrive. The White Horse has free WIFI on site, you can download the app once at your table.