“We only opened a week before lockdown” – Salford restaurant & bar reflect on customer support through ongoing restrictions

A restaurant and bar in Salford has spoken of the challenges it has faced since opening just before the first lockdown back in March this year.

The Delph Restaurant & Bar in Worsley, situated beside the famous Worsley Delph, is run by owners Phil Campbell and Natalie Robinson.

Launching their new business in March, the restaurant only had one week of trading before they were forced to close because of the first national lockdown.

With the area being home to a number of local celebrities and footballers, the owners say, the restaurant has been used for pre-season meals from football and rugby teams.

Similar to many businesses, The Delph decided to launch a takeaway service throughout the first lockdown.

From a table on their front door, The Delph was able to sell alcoholic drinks, ice creams, hot drinks and many other items.

In an attempt to diversify and attract more customers, The Delph ran a number of live DJ sets from their restaurant, which they streamed on their Facebook page.

Finally reopening on the 4th July, The Delph restaurant and bar were able to safely operate a dine-in service for their customers. The business also saw immense interest and a number of bookings through the month of August. They were able to avail of the Eat out to help out scheme, which greatly increased the number of bookings they were receiving.

Speaking to Phil Campbell on the first few days of the new lockdown, he described what its been like for the business over the past few months.

Despite being forced to return to their takeaway service, The Delph put their popularity down to the constant flow of loyal and returning customers. Through their website, customers are able to order dishes such as pulled pork boxes, full English breakfasts, and Sunday roasts. People can then arrive at the hatch of the restaurant, where they can collect their orders.

Despite their short-lived launch in March and operating through severely restricted lockdowns, owners Phil and Natalie are still planning growth in their restaurant.

Plans to increase their setting area, as well as refurbish their existing entrance are underway.

For more information on The Delph restaurant and bar and to find out about their Takeaway service, you can visit their website here.