Southampton's pubs, clubs and music venues left frustrated by lockdown delays

Clubs, pubs and live music venues across the city are feeling angry and disappointed following Boris Johnson's announcement this week explaining that the easing of lockdown will be delayed by four weeks.

The country was meant to be entering Stage 4 of the Government's roadmap on June 21, which would see all restrictions across England lifted.

However this how now been postponed until July 19, which has caused a number of issues for the city's hospitality industry.

The Edge Southampton

Richard Anderson, general manager at The Edge nightclub in Bevois, told the Daily Echo: "We were obviously preparing for a reopening, which includes booking DJs and drag queens, and bringing staff on board and training them for 'normal' service. It's not easy to simply switch these processes on and off.

"It's a gradual process which we now have to put an immediate halt on and reschedule our entire line up, hoping that the availability exists to do so.

"All that said, we are optimistic about the future, and we're incredibly grateful to have our customers supporting us over the last 15 months.

"If waiting another four weeks prevents a larger problem down the road, then it's difficult not to get behind that."

The Concorde Club

Managers at The Concorde Club based in Eastleigh added: "Once again the hospitality and theatre industry have been disregarded in the latest Government announcement of the delay to the opening of Stage 4 of the roadmap. Once again some of our plans will have to change.

"We hope to keep changes to a minimum but obviously because of the capacity and cost of acts there will undoubtedly be a few changes.

"Once again Boris has left us in a bit of a no man's land regarding the possibility of opening it early if the data says we can.

"How are you meant to plan for an if or maybe?"

The Joiners

In a statement made on Facebook, a spokesperson from The Joiners in St Mary's said: "As hard as we've tried to adapt for the past 15 months the circus from our government continues.

"We will now be attempting to pull several rabbits out of several hats to make some seated shows happen in July, other shows that were due to take place up to the 19th are being rescheduled so lookout for emails on new dates incoming.

"It's going to be a very long month for all our staff again, if you want show your support please head to our site and grab tickets for an upcoming show."

The Brook Southampton

Managers at The Brook in Swaythling told the Daily Echo: "We were so close. All ready to welcome Martin Kemp through our doors on Saturday, June 26, and unfortunately today we are rescheduling a number of gigs once more.

"After a team catch-up we are all in agreement that when we do open again we want all of customers to be able to feel confident and comfortable that they can let their hair down and have an amazing evening with the atmosphere they know and love us for.

"If that means a bit more work and stalling another four weeks then so be it, we would rather reopen with a bang."