THE restaurant inside a Swindon garden centre will re-open on Saturday.

Freshly-made scones, fish and chips, toasties, and hot and cold drinks will be on the menu when Dobbies reopens its dining area.

There will be a dedicated member of staff responsible for ensuring all safety measures are being followed, answer any questions and ensure all team members and customers feel safe.

Staff will be required to collect contact information from customers for the NHS Test and Trace scheme.

Tables and chairs have been spaced out to keep a safe distance between diners and cutlery will be wrapped straight from the dishwasher. Self-service coffee machines will not be in us, but baristas will be on hand to serve hot drinks.

All trays and tables will be sanitised after use, and suppliers will send in contact-free and sanitised deliveries.

Dobbies CEO Graeme Jenkins said: “Following the successful re-opening of our garden centre on May 13,, we are well-placed to restart our restaurant operations.

“The safety of team members and customers remains Dobbies' number one priority. We want customers to feel safe and have an enjoyable experience.

“We look forward to welcoming customers back into our Swindon restaurant and would like to thank our team members and customers for following the measures we have implemented.”

Dobbies continues to follow government guidelines across the store, with a limited number of customers permitted in store at one time.

A queuing system remains in operation outside the store, with one metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations are available at the store entrance.

Protective screens remain installed at tills and customers are asked to pay with card or contactless. Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members who are also receiving training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe, with rigorous hygiene routines continuing throughout the store.