'I worry about our ability to reopen': Leeds businesses speak out as coronavirus hits trade

Manjit's Kitchen owner Manjit Kaur said Tuesday was their quietest ever day at Kirkstall Market, while Sheesh Mahal owner Azram Chaudry said he had "massively" noticed a drop off.

Business owners said customers seemed to be staying at home as fears of catching Covid-19 spread across the country.

There have been seven confirmed cases in Leeds.

Sarto Pasta, based in Duke Street, tweeted on Wednesday that only ten people out of 30 had showed up for a booking.

"Attendees at an event with people flying in to Leeds, a load didn’t fly cos of virus worries," they wrote.

"If you want delicious pasta tonight please come see us!"

The owner of both Laynes Espresso and Sarto, Dave Olejnik, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Both have noticed a considerable drop in trade in the last few days.

"Both are looking at a drop of around 25 to 30 per cent so we’re really hoping for people to still look to help our economy and community if they’re in the city while we wait for some level of positive leadership from government."

Joanna Myers, who runs The Swine That Dines, tweeted on Wednesday: "We’re worried about a lock down. What we need is a few decent weekends to get some cash in the bank to get us through a closure.

"I worry about our ability to reopen again if this doesn’t happen."

She added: "Scary times. Last week was good but this week not great.

"Hopefully it’s just the mid month lull. Just trying to be very tight on everything until it happens."

Mr Chaudry, who runs the popular, long-running Kirkstall Road curry house told the YEP: "Unfortunately, we have had the fear of flooding before this."

He said Friday was quiet at his restaurant and that other businesses he had spoken to reported similar.

"Monday to Wednesday this week has been very quiet compared to normal," he added.

Takeaway orders via mobile apps have increased, but businesses make less money if customers order on them.

"All my staff are fine," he added. "Rule number one is washing your hands in this business.

"It's concerning but not worrying. Some parties have cancelled, but there is a mix of things going on.

"People are very uncomfortable at the moment."

Sarah Hardy, Marketing Manager at North Brewing Co, said: "Whilst we still don’t know the full effect that the coronavirus will have in the UK, we are taking precautions within both the bars and brewery to do what we can to minimise its spread - from reminding all staff of our sickness procedures to emphasising the importance of cleanliness and good hygiene practices.

"It feels like it is too early to tell the impact that the coronavirus will have on the business, but this week we have changed plans to travel to international events which have been postponed.

"We are also not booking any more flights so that we can reassess staff safety on a daily basis."

Ms Hardy said the company, which runs Leeds City Tap and Brewery Tap and has the same founders as North Bar, offered venues that were "an integral part of the communities in which they operate".

She added: "We want to encourage anyone who is feeling a little overwhelmed by the 24 hour news cycle and reporting of the Coronavirus to please pop in for a cuppa or a beer and pull up a stool at the bar.”