Nantwich tearoom Ginger and Pickles has been converted into an urban farm shop on the first full day of “lockdown” of venues.
Owners Andy and Bev and daughter Abbie will run their outlet today (March 21) as a shop, selling off produce to takeaway.
They hope it will ease the stress of supermarket shopping as people continue to panic-buy over the Coronavirus crisis.
Abbie said: “We feel so humbled that our loyal customers have been continuing to support
us throughout this difficult time and we’d like continue to open our doors to our customers until the situation is over.
“As we all know, food has been in short supply in all the supermarkets and local shops surrounding us.
“We therefore have come up with a solution.
“We are turning Ginger and Pickles into a takeaway and urban farm shop where customers will have the opportunity to purchase local eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables and all our homemade produce along with a gorgeous selection of prepared homemade meals ready to eat.”
It’s another example of how outlets forced to close are adapting in the face of severe economic restrictions.
Many other pubs, bars, restaurants are offering takeaway or delivery services to use up stock and to stay open throughout the shutdown.
Meanwhile, Cheshire East Council says it has ramped up its work with partners across the county to support local businesses and respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy.
Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said:
“Businesses of all sizes – from sole traders to multinational companies – are being affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are working with our partners across Cheshire and Warrington to maintain a suite of resources and support local businesses and employers.
“A package of measures to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses has already been announced by the Chancellor, with more announcements expected to help minimise the economic impact of COVID-19.
“There will be two grant schemes to support small businesses, administered by the council.
“Our staff are playing an important role by working closely with central government to help shape the grants process, and I hope the government will release payments within weeks once the announcements have been made.”
The first scheme will be a grant offer of £10,000 for businesses receiving small business rate relief and rural rate relief with a rateable value of under £15,000.
In Cheshire East this will provide around £60m of support for small businesses.
The second scheme focuses on the retail, leisure and hospitality sector for organisations which do not receive small business rate relief and have a rateable value under £51,000.
This will be a grant offer of up to £25,000. In addition, businesses in these sectors, including shops, public houses, theatres, music venues and restaurants will pay no business rates for 12 months.
The process of identifying eligible businesses for these grants has started.
Once the government makes the funds available, payments will be made automatically.
Businesses do not need to apply to the council.
Visit the council’s business support pages for details cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19
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