With pubs receiving the green light to re-open, many people have been enjoying the chance to socialise with friends in their favourite local venue. If you are looking for a pint or social drink in Stoke Newington, you will find you can do so.

The Axe is open

The Axe, at 18 Northwold Road, N16 7HR, is a well-known Stoke Newington pub with 22 taps and a reputation for excellent food and drink. The bar has been open since 2017, and it has quickly become a name that is trusted by locals and people who appreciate a great bar.

The pub is taking bookings, and they’ve issued guidance on their Facebook stage. The post says; “We are following all of the government guidelines for safely opening the pub so you will obviously notice some changes. We are working to maximise the space with creating seating to maintain a safe 1m+ distance. We will provide hand sanitiser and be extra diligent and dutiful on all cleaning and sanitising.”

You can visit The Rochester Castle

Another local option in Stoke Newington is The Rochester Castle at 143–145 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 0NY. This is a Wetherspoons pub, so that might influence your decision on whether you wish to visit it or not, but you know exactly what you will get from this sort of bar.

Follow the recommended guidelines

Anyone looking to ensure they comply with guidelines when returning to their favourite bar should consider the following points:

·         Being asked to use hand sanitiser or handwashing facilities as you enter

·         Booking required with some pubs restricting your time

·         Contactless-only ordering from tables, such as through an app

·         No loud music live gigs or sporting events that will encourage raised voices

·         No vertical drinking (customers have to be seated)

·         One person in the toilet at a time

·         Table service instead of ordering at the bar

·         Tables two metres apart and customers one metre apart

·         Your details may be recorded for NHS track and trace

More information on the guidelines for visiting the pub can be found on the Government website.

Not every bar or restaurant is keen to re-open

It would be fair to say not every business owner feels comfortable about returning right now. The owner of Yum Yum, a Thai restaurant in Stoke Newington, has decide against reopening so soon. Atique Chowdry has voiced concerns about restrictions being eased so soon, and has cited issues in other countries which reopened too quickly as a good reason to delay the restaurants return.

Atique spoke to the Hackney Gazette, and said; “What I’m going to do is wait, watch and see how it pans out – and hopefully the other restaurants which have opened up will do really well. We need to support the smaller restaurants and we need to make sure they survive, otherwise it will be a real difficult situation for the high streets and all the other associated businesses – this is a real struggle and we’ve never faced anything like it.”

If you need any help or guidance regarding property matters, please get in touch. As your local housing market specialists, we will do what we can to ensure you make your next house move in style. Contact Hunters Stoke Newington today for all your housing and letting needs.