Dear Friends, one and all,

New legislation affecting our local and regional hospitality venues has come into force in an attempt to limit the growing number of Coronavirus transmissions that we must all work to.
In addition to the existing regulations, there have now been a number of actions that we must ask guests to consider when visiting The Art School. In order to make your visit as straightforward, stress-free and enjoyable as possible I thought we would try to clarify the new rules.

Of course the biggest change we will see is the 10pm curfew. Those of us who had a social life before the early 80’s will remember last orders being around this time with 20 minutes to drink up. We still had good times and were happily in bed for midnight without too much stress. This will however mean that you have to make your reservation for an earlier time.

From 24th September we will be happy to accept evening reservations from 4.30pm, Thursday to Saturday. We are still serving lunch weekdays between 12-2.15pm, Sunday’s 12-4pm and afternoon tea in the Cellars bar. If you could notify us which menu you would like to dine from that would be a great help as we can then maximise the number of guests dining with us, all suitably and safely socially distanced.

Guests dining from the Menu Excellence will have a two-hour time allocation and three hours for the Tasting Menu. This by no means stops you popping down to the Cellars bar for a tasty cheese platter, final nightcap or taking away a purchase from the Emporium. As you think about leaving at around 9.30pm we will happily help to arrange taxis for the journey home, just ask.
In addition to the ‘rule of six’, whereby a maximum of six guests from different households may be seated on one table, guests should now wear a face mask at all times except when seated (even that quick visit to the loo).

Guests visiting from Thursday, 24th September will also notice that we are displaying Track and Trace QR codes in both the restaurant and cellar bar. We ask that those of you with mobile phones scan the code on your way in so you can be contacted quickly and efficiently should the need arise. If you visit both please check in in both areas. If you don’t have a phone or aren’t tech savvy we can still take your details with good ol’ pen and paper.

All of the new requirements are also now enforceable by law so remember if the team reminds you of any of the new rules they are looking out for your best interests, physically and financially!

Finally, the conditions that we are all living under are stressful for us all. Please remember that the team are working flat out to ensure your safety and enjoyment while you are with us. You’ll notice that they are trying to limit the number of people that you come into contact with but they’re on hand if you need them. There’s a lot of additional procedures that they must comply with to ensure everyone’s welfare but rest assured that they are doing everything in their power to make sure you leave us with a smile on your face.

Paul Askew
Chef Patron
The Art School
theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk