Coronavirus in Leeds: "We're in for a rough ride" says newly re-opened Cross Keys pub in Holbeck

A pub which re-opened just a fortnight ago is now facing the threat of closure as the city's fight against coronavirus steps up.
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The Cross Keys at Holbeck closed before Christmas, after being taken on by The Water Lane pub company, for a refurbishment with a view to re-opening at spring after the quiet winter period.

Now it is putting in place measures so it can still trade and welcome customers - however, the majority of business comes from workers in the Holbeck's creative industries who are now working from home.

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The Cross Keys at Holbeck.The Cross Keys at Holbeck.
The Cross Keys at Holbeck.
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He said: "We had two weekends, had some good trade and really good feedback about how it looks and the changes which was heartening. We know we are in for a rough ride and did not know this was coming when we decided to do the pub.

"The lack of anything solid or instruction or understanding of what will happen is what we and all other hospitality businesses, especially independents, are struggling with. I am trying to be positive but it is a bit of a worry. There is uncertainty for staff, they are all texting and messaging to see what's what and I can't give them answers.

"Our plan is to stay open until we are told otherwise by government, but being sensible with it."

Mr Fiddaman said if staff feel worried about coming in they are being told not to and if customers feel okay to come in there is enough room so people can distance themselves. But while he understood that working from home is being recommended, it is workers who make up most of the trade for the Cross Keys as well as the Midnight Bell, Taste and Out of the Woods.

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Following Monday night's announcement by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, that the UK was stepping up preventative measures there was actually an increase in customers.

He added: "A couple said they had seen what Boris said and thought 'sod it' and people who were going to be working from home came in for a last pint together. The area that we are in, people can work from home and I understand why and I agree with it, but it is unfortunate it will cost ourselves and everyone in that industry."

Mr Fiddaman said he hoped there will be some rent relief and is already looking at ideas to get the business back on track later in the year such as collaborations with other independents and kitchen take-overs but he added: "We need to get through this and make sure we are still a going company at the end of it."

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