THE full line-up of traders at Warrington Market re-opened today – with outdoor dining returning to Cookhouse.
As the national restrictions on non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality eased, customers were able to enjoy the full range of traders available at the market for the first time since before Christmas.
The multi-award winning Warrington Market is home to more than 50 fantastic independent traders, selling a wide range of fresh food, gifts and services, including hot and cold food options at the Cookhouse, which is home to 11 worldwide food outlets and two independent bars where you can dine outside or takeaway.
All traders are re-opening and there are some new faces joining the line-up too – Batch Bottlestore is located in the main market hall, selling more than 200 varieties of craft beers, artisan spirits and wines. A new trader has also joined the Cookhouse mix – with Cotto Pasta Kitchen serving up a range of authentic Italian pasta dishes.
The full complement of Cookhouse favourites is open and customers can dine outside on the terrace, or pick up food to take away and enjoy at home.
To enjoy dining on the outdoor terrace safely, customers are asked to:
1) Head to the desk under the gazebo at the entrance to the market
2) Check in using the NHS Test and Trace before being allocated a seat. You can do this by scanning the barcode, or give your details to the staff member on duty
But customers will not be allowed to access the outdoor dining area until all members of their group have checked in, as now required by law. Groups are limited to six people or two households and anyone who refuses to leave details will not be able to use the outdoor dining area.
3) Customer will then be allocated a table if there is space available (outdoor seating is limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis – no bookings are being taken at this time)
4) They can order food and drink using the contactless table service – details for how to use this will be located on each table
For the outdoor seating area, it is table service only, so you must order and pay online. If you want to pick up food to takeaway, you can order directly from the stalls, or via on the online ordering platform for collection
The market will continue to work with traders to ensure the building is COVID-secure. There are safety measures in place to help keep everyone safe. Customers are asked to maintain social distancing, wear a face covering while inside the building, follow queuing systems at stalls, use the hand sanitiser stations available, use contactless payments where possible and follow the Cookhouse rules for dining outside.
Borough council director of growth Steve Park, said: “Despite coronavirus restrictions, the new Warrington Market has got off to a really successful start. Unfortunately, due to the national lockdown, only essential traders have been able to remain open, so it’s great news that all of our traders can now open and we can welcome back more customers to enjoy everything the market has to offer.
“From people visiting our fantastic range of stalls, to families and friends enjoying the outdoor dining at the Cookhouse, we look forward to the market being a bustling hive of activity, which is great news for our town centre as the roadmap out of lockdown continues.”
The main market hall will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The Cookhouse will open until 7pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9pm on Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit warrington.gov.uk/market or follow @warringtonmkt on social media.
