Granny Dowbekin’s, Pooley Bridge’s popular tearooms is celebrating following the news that they have been named a ‘Travellers’ Choice’ winner by Trip Advisor.
Each year, the review site combs through reviews, ratings, and saves from travellers everywhere, and use that info to award the very best. Granny Dowbekin’s are now proud to be part of that exclusive group.
This award now puts them in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide and all this against a backdrop of Pooley ‘New’ Bridge construction, Covid-19 and lockdown – a truly tumultuous 12 months.
Owner Colin Hindle said: “We’re over the moon to have received this award and want to thank locals and visitors alike who have taken the time to share their Granny D’s experiences with the online community over the past 12 months.”
Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor commented: “Winners of the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition,”. “Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners’ achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality. Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for diners as the world begins to venture out again.”
As with many other local businesses, the Granny D’s team worked hard to ensure they were Covid-compliant and ‘good to go’ for the 4 July reopening. And judging by recent reviews, they’re getting it right – measures include:
- Customers are greeted at the front door, are asked to sanitise and one party member completes a track and trace form.
- Capacity is reduced by 30% – one third of tables have been removed, even outdoors
- There is a one-way system for entry and exit.
- Customers are taken to a sanitised table which is marked with a green card, this is replaced with a red card so even after they have left, no one can use the table and chairs until the areas has been sanitised
- Menus are single-use only
- Table service to avoid queueing
- Each table has one seat removed so that the waiting staff can safely put their tray down and customers remove the items.
- Payment at the table.
- Sanitisation points all around.
- Customer touch points including toilets, all handles and bannisters are cleaned and sanitised on a rolling basis throughout the day
- Exit via the Garden Gate only
At Granny Dowbekin’s, situated right by the river in Pooley Bridge adjacent to the bridge, the most commonly asked question is “What’s happening with the new bridge?” And the answer to that is – the end is finally in sight. Despite lockdown and social-distancing, the bridge team are working towards a late October opening for both pedestrians and vehicles.
And it can not come soon enough for weary residents and business owners – Colin included.
Following five years of investment to the tune of £750,000, 14 permanent and 20 part time staff to support and over 100,000 meals served in 2019, Colin welcomes the opening of the new bridge with open arms.
He commented: “We’ve literally had ringside seats for this – and it’s been fun but now we’re absolutely ready for this iconic, UK-first architectural landmark to open. On the back of the past year, it’s even more important that village and valley transport infrastructure is restored so that we can continue to welcome visitors safely and efficiently.”
Granny Dowbekin’s is located just beside Pooley Bridge itself. The Tearoom is open daily from 9am – 6.30pm serving breakfast, fresh bakes, sandwiches, hearty lunches and traditional afternoon teas. For more information visit www.grannydowbekins.co.uk or to read reviews of Granny Dowbekin’s, click here.
