A Hereford club is preparing to welcome back customers this month with a resourceful way of working within restrictions – by reopening as a ‘night pub’.
After almost 18 months of enforced closure and an incredible refurbishment during this time, PLAY Hereford on Blue School Street will be reopen on Friday 21 May when indoor hospitality can once again open up, with no 10pm curfew.
Although PLAY revellers might not be able to hit the dancefloor, they will be able to enjoy a ‘sit-down disco’ and order ‘bottomless’ pizza, every Friday and Saturday between the hours of 9pm and 2am.
The club is hoping that after more than a year of frustrations and being left behind while pubs, bars and restaurants have been allowed to open they can bounce back bigger and better than before the pandemic.
PLAY’s general manager, Chris Green, said: “We’re really excited to reopen initially as a ‘night pub’ and are offering our guests a great night out with no 10pm bedtime! Whether you’re coming straight from a beer garden, or you’ve spent hours getting ready, everyone’s welcome.
“It’s been a tough year and for young people it’s been especially difficult to have so many freedoms curtailed. Nightclubs may have been the first to close and the last to open, but we can’t wait to throw open our doors and welcome everyone back inside for a fun but safe night out.”
In preparation for opening, PLAY is having a deep clean, and importantly reviewing its staff training and procedures, from queuing to cleaning schedules, to make sure it reopens safely for revellers. The venue has also undergone a refurbishment, including a full redecoration, new booths, an extended dancefloor, improved lighting and a new VIP lounge.
Chris added: “Guest safety is our priority, and we have the experience and expertise to manage large groups of people and the space to create an atmosphere without overcrowding. We also have the very best ventilation system that is on par with any operating theatre.”
From 21 June, PLAY will once again be able to operate as a nightclub and will have some of the biggest DJs in the UK ready to entertain guests.
“The scenes at Circus, Liverpool where 6,000 young people took part in a test event were amazing and emotional to watch. It’s really important that we have the opportunity to reopen without any restrictions that are not in line with the rest of hospitality,” said Chris.
*Photos supplied by Cameron Mitchell Hill Photography*
