OLD THORNS continues its re-opening plan this weekend with Sunday carvery lunch resuming service in the Kings Restaurant.

And we have teamed up with the four-star facility for a readers’ competition to offer the winner a fantastic family carvery for four people.

Lunch will be served once again in the carvery on Sunday from midday to 3pm. It will operate with reduced capacity to allow social distancing and will therefore be available only for pre-booked guests.

Managing director Cathal Lynch said. “After being closed for so long, it can be tempting to open everything up straight away.

“But it’s very important to us that we reintroduce our services in a safe and manageable way.

“Social distancing and additional safety measures that have to be adhered to are completely new to everyone, and as staff return to work from furloughed leave it is critical they are trained in these new practices.

“When guests stay or dine with us, we of course need them to adhere with the new safety measures, but at the same time we know they are wanting to relax and almost escape from what we have all endured for the past few months.

“Every new process we introduce is clear and easy to follow, so our guests and staff can feel safe and confident.”

Opening hours and menu

To begin with, the Kings Restaurant will open for Sunday lunch only with bookings available between midday and 3pm. The menu will remain similar to before the closure but will serve only mains and desserts. The salad bar counter will be unavailable.

Pre-booking is essential

All tables in the restaurant have been generously spaced to allow for social distancing and arrival times have also been staggered to prevent too many people arriving at once. This means the restaurant will be catering for fewer than half the guests than before Covid-19. All guests must book in advance, online or by telephone.

Maximum table size of eight

Guests seated at a table together must follow the social distancing advice. Currently this is a maximum of two separate households permitted at one table.

Social-distancing markers guide the way

Floor markers and one-way systems have been implemented throughout the resort.

The chef will serve

Tables will be invited up to the carvery station one at a time. Plexi-glass screens have been placed across the carvery counter and a chef, equipped with appropriate PPE, will serve vegetables and trimmings along with carving your choice of meat. You’ll still be able to control the quantities to your liking.

Enhanced cleaning

All tables will be completely clear before a customer’s arrival and then completely cleared and sanitised after their departure. There is also increased cleaning throughout the resort. Sanitiser stations are also available and their use highly encouraged.

The team at Old Thorns are looking forward to welcoming locals and hotel guests back to the resort. Hotel rooms and the apartments opened on July 4 along with the Sports Bar, which is open from midday to 11pm daily and does not require pre-booking.

Plans to re-open more of the resort are in progress.

Customers wishing to book a Sunday lunch can do so through the website, or by calling 01428 724555.

* To be in with chance of winning a family carvery for four people, simply email your name and contact number [email protected] putting ‘Old Thorns’ in the subject line.

All entries must be received by 5pm on Thursday, July 16.

The sender of the first reply selected at random will win the prize.