Berkeley Tea Rooms awards top marks to SDC’s Covid Safety team
Published: Friday, 11 December, 2020
The tables were turned this week, when the owner of Berkeley Tea Rooms awarded Stroud District Council’s Covid Safety team top marks for the way it has helped her business trade safely.
Kim Lewis took over the running of the tea rooms on High Street, Berkeley in September. A member of Stroud District Council’s Food Safety team carried out a food hygiene inspection, and awarded it a top rating of 5.
Kim then contacted SDC’s Covid Compliance Officer David Peacock, to ensure her covid safety measures were adequate.
“David was fantastic,” said Kim. “He gave me lots of advice over the phone, then followed up with a visit a few days later. I’ve had lots of compliments about the way we’ve managed social distancing in the tea rooms and that’s largely thanks to the advice from David.”
Since opening Berkeley Tea Rooms has received several visits from SDC’s team of Covid Community Protection Officers. “During the recent lockdown they checked that we were offering only takeaways as we should, and they’ve been in several time since to check whether we have any questions. They are really friendly, and offer customers free hand gel.”
The Covid Community Protection Officers are part of Gloucester’s award winning Community Protection scheme, and part of a joint scheme with Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury councils. They offer tips on social distancing and work with retailers to help them be Covid secure.
“As a business owner I feel very fortunate to be offered these services by Stroud District Council,” said Kim. “It’s great to know that the Covid safety team is there to look out for my business. A lot of local people haven’t left the village since March, so it’s important that they feel safe when they do go out.”
Stroud District Council’s Leader Doina Cornell added: “We are doing all we can to support the local economy by helping businesses trade safely. It’s lovely to hear that our team has made a such a positive difference to the Berkeley Tea Rooms.”