The grand reopening: Independents’ day for Cambridge traders

There will be reason to cheer in Cambridge when four independent businesses throw open their doors for the first time since lockdown on Saturday (July 4).

Scruffs, Catherine Jones of Cambridge, Cambridge Wine Merchants and Varsity Hotel & Spa will be reopening in the Bridge Street/Thompson’s Lane area of the city.

“It’s been such a strange time, not seeing any of our clients for so long,” said Garry Chapman, director at Scruffs hairdressing, which has freshened up the salon but appointments must be pre-booked.

“It will be fantastic to be back with our Scruffs family and wonderful clients and to make them all feel fabulous again. We’ve missed every one of them.”

Catherine Jones of Cambridge was opened in 1963, and July 4, Independence Day, was the wedding day of its founder, the mother of CEO Vanessa Burkitt so it will be a particularly fond day.

“Now’s the time to find that magical ring you’ve been hanging on for and you will find unusual, individual designs that we make ourselves so won’t find another anywhere else,” said Vanessa.

Customers will need to make an appointment by emailing cambridge@catherinejones.com.

Cambridge Wine Bar, voted the UK’s Number 1 Independent Drinks’ Retailer, will be open from midday on Saturday, and will be taking reservations for the first day at winebars@cambridgewine.com.

Brett Turner, the company chairman, said: “Luckily we have plenty of inside and outside space for socially-distanced seating. There will remain table service as before.”

The Varsity Hotel & Spa will be reopening its rooftop and two restaurants: The River Bar Steak House & Grill and SIX.

Will Davies, the Varsity MD, said: “The roof bar is outside and we have two outdoor terraces on the balconies in SIX and the restaurant and bar are a good size, so setting up for ‘the new normal’ will be a little easier in these spaces.

“We aim to open the hotel on July 17 and are already taking firm bookings.”

All of the businesses have adapted to meet government guidelines for their specific needs. Each will provide hand sanitisers, some staff will wear face masks and all
are stressing the importance of safety for both customers and staff in as unobtrusive way as possible.

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