VALENTINE’S DAY is just around the corner- have you got anything planned for your significant other yet?
Pubs, bars and restaurants would normally be preparing a romantic atmosphere and getting ready to welcome plenty of couples to their establishments.
But with national lockdown still in place, many are instead turning to delivery in a bid to salvage some trade.
Here is how one Bracknell Forest eatery adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic by providing takeaways to loved up couples.
The Royal Foresters
George Tompkins, operations manager for Oakman Inns’ Royal Foresters, believes the restaurant will have a big uptake over the coming weekend with takeaway orders, as their meal kits have proven to have a fantastic response from customers locally.
He said: "We knew we were going to be closed for Valentines but we wanted to keep our GM's and chefs busy durign this time as that's what is important to us. What we're doing is providing guests with Makeaway kits, which are semi-prepared meals by the chef.
"Every Tom, Dick and Harry has gone down the same route of doing a takeaway service but this is different as we're providing diners with the fresh ingredients to make it themself. This kit includes homemade ravioli to start, steak or a vegetarian mushroom wellington, duck fat chips and cheesecake to finish."
George explains the impact lockdown has had on business as the restaurant has had to close its doors to key dates like Mother's Day, Christmas, and New Year.
He added: "There are so many things that could have been done differently. Hindsight is 2020 you know and it's easy to say they [government] could have done this, or could have done that. We as a restaurant have reflected on the decisions previously and we've achieved an incredible amount through delivering our food to loyal guests and new customers.
"Of course we'd love to know when we're opening but we've had a fantastic response so far and it's something's here to be had that's for sure."
Royal Foresters’ Takeaway Menu for Local Delivery or Collection: from Thursday to Sunday. Can be ordered online in advance or on the same day. £1.99 delivery charge within 3-mile radius of the Royal Foresters. https://www.theroyalforesters.co.uk/takeaway
Stag and Hounds
The Stag and Hounds in Binfield has also tailored it's restaurant to offering deliveries to residents.
It’s also the ideal place to go if you are in the mood for some delicious Valentine’s Day food.
Takeaways are Available Wednesday to Saturday 5 – 9pm and Sunday 12 – 5pm
A delicious Sunday roast will cost you £13 and this includes a varitety of meats.
One example is a roasted Topside of Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Honey Glazed Roots, Seasonal Veg, Rich Red Wine Gravy.
Prince of Wales Pub and Thai restuarant
Another option for food this weekend is the delicious Thai food offered at the Prince of Wales pub in Bracknell.
Delivery is £5 to anywhere in Bracknell, delivery to Ascot, Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Wokingham is £10.
A Chilli and Thai basil stir fry, with white onions and mixed peppers with seafood comes in at £10.50 and that is just one option of the many dishes on the menu.
Call 07752740494 to place your order.
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