VENUES UPDATE: 22 JULY 2021
Like all venues, we are continually adapting our hospitality services and operating hours in response to changing guidance, but also in response to demand. At the same time, we are working within the limitations of a reduced pool of staff and admittedly, facing some recruitment challenges as well as gradually easing our way back into the wonderful world of events!
As you know from recent news, the Doonhame Festival has now been cancelled due to recent changes to guidance. This acts as a reminder that we are still operating in very uncertain times. Although we have now entered Level Zero, it is an amended Level Zero, which means that we still have restrictions to adhere to and with a rising number of Covid-19 cases, we are continuing to be cautious in our approach to venue operations and to encourage the use of our outdoor spaces whenever possible.
We anticipate the bulk of demand for our summer hospitality services to come from leisure guests, local families enjoying days out and visitors to the area. By Autumn, we expect to see more relaxation of rules and a blended approach to workplace practices, all of which will once again change the demand for our venues and hospitality services.
We are fortunate to have multiple venues and an experienced team which allows us to be both flexible and responsive during this transitional period, but at the same time we want to offer some assurances and consistency, so that you (our customers) know what you can expect, where and when at The Crichton.
For now, we want to be clear about the services we are offering over the summer in each of our venues and also, to let you know what you might expect from the Autumn onwards (pending Covid guidance).
Easterbrook Bistro – Easterbrook Bistro and the Swimming Pool are temporarily closed. This is due to be reviewed again in early August. We hope to reopen 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm (Food 11am to 6pm) asap.
We have had to temporarily close the Bistro due to staff shortages over the past few weeks and the swimming pool has been closed for many months due to the need for social distancing. It is our intention to review our plans for the Bistro and the swimming pool around the 2nd August. When we do reopen, we hope to be open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm. Our intention would be to offer snacks and refreshments from 8am to 8pm, while our main food menu will be available from 11am to 6pm. Look out for more information coming soon about menus and swimming pool timetables, memberships and safety procedures.
Crichton Central – The cafe is currently open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Hours will be reviewed again early August, with the intention of extending opening hours to 8am to 8pm asap. Everyone is welcome. The plan is to formally open the co-working space (for members) and meeting rooms in the Autumn (pending restrictions).
Don’t forget you can also take away to enjoy at home, on the grounds, in the office or on the go!
We opened the cafe, outdoor terrace and lawn at Crichton Central on 21 June and it’s been fantastic to see you all. Having the additional outdoor space and the covered terrace is great for this time of year and particularly when we are still being advised to stay outdoors and in well ventilated spaces as much as possible. With the Bistro being temporarily closed and due to demand and changing weather conditions, we have also opened the lounge and extended our cafe opening hours to include weekends and a 4pm closing time. This means that the cafe is now open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm (or later when events are scheduled). It is our intention to review our operating hours and menu again around the 2 August. We hope to be able to open the cafe from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week in the not-too-distant future. We are looking forward to a more formal launch of Crichton Central in the Autumn, when we also plan to open our co-working spaces and meeting rooms. Look out for membership details coming soon.
Easterbrook Hall – Currently open for a limited number of carefully managed meetings and events. Going forward, we will be assessing the risks and practicality of indoor events on an individual basis. We also plan to improve the ventilation in the main hall as soon as possible. Enquiries are always welcome, so please get in touch.
Easterbrook Hall is a large space which is great for social distancing, but due to the significant drop in demand for indoor events and the requirement for greater ventilation, we are carrying out a risk assessment for every event to assess whether it can go ahead or if any changes are required to allow it to go ahead. Unfortunately, we are still experiencing cancellations and we are supporting our clients as best as we can in these circumstances. It is our intention to upgrade our tech and ventilation within the main hall at some point soon and of course, we look forward to the gradual return of indoor events when it is safe to do so. We will keep you informed, but in the meantime, please keep in touch.
We hope this brings you up to date with where we are as an organisation and that although still changeable, we are doing our best to be flexible to meet your needs, to manage the needs of the business and to protect our staff and customers. Please continue to make enquiries and we will do our best to accommodate your request in one of our venues.
We are enormously grateful to our staff, partner, suppliers and customers for their support and understanding as we continue to work through these uncertain times and to plan for a sustainable future.
We have much to look forward to and some exciting projects and ventures ahead.
USEFUL CONTACTS:
Easterbrook Hall: 01387 702020 Easterbrook Bistro: 01387 702500 Crichton Central: 01387 702234
