Staffordshire shoppers toast new outdoor food court
Visitors will be able to sit safely outside and enjoy alfresco dining thanks to the launch of a specially-designated area to consume food and drink.
Hednesford Town Council has created the new food and drink destination, in Market Street, to help cafes safely open their doors after coronavirus restrictions were eased.
It aims to help owners who do not currently have an indoor seating area but who want to get back into business and open safely again.
The launch coincides with the We’re Open for Business celebrations. Bella’s Café, Bakeaway, Subway, Candy Land Sweet Shop, The Shiny Fork and Kraftt Lounge have joined forces to launch the newly-designated HednesFOOD area, which can be used free of charge.
Residents across Hednesford and Staffordshire are being urged to shop locally and help boost the regional economy by supporting cafes that were forced to shut their doors during the pandemic.
Michelle Baker, the council’s operations and regeneration manager, said: “As a council, we are very connected with our local community and businesses told us they wanted and needed to reopen but could not wait until indoor dining restrictions are lifted on May 17.
“The alfresco dining area will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 2pm and we may extend hours if it proves to be popular.
“HednesFOOD is going to give people that extra special feeling of excitement at being out and seeing other people again, but even more importantly it is about reinvesting back into Hednesford again and supporting local.”
