The Waterside Inn to remain closed until January in light of lockdown 'uncertainty'

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Chef Alain Roux will not reopen his three-Michelin starred Waterside Inn restaurant in Bray until the new year due to the 'uncertainty' of when England's lockdown restrictions will be lifted.

In an Instagram post, Roux said that it would be 'financially unfeasible' to only open for a couple of weeks in December, and so he was therefore bringing forward the restaurant's annual festive closure. 

The Waterside Inn will now reopen on Friday 8 January 2021, as long as Covid-19 rules allow it.

Restaurants, pubs and bars across England are currently closed as a result of the new lockdown, which came into force last week and is set to last until at least 2 December; although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to rule extending the lockdown if necessary.

In a statement, Roux said: "Many of you will know that The Waterside Inn takes an annual closure of four weeks at the end of December for essential maintenance and staff holidays.

"However, in light of the uncertainty of this lockdown being lifted at the beginning of December, and the financially unfeasible reality of opening for just a couple of weeks next month, I have decided to bring forward our annual closure to December.

"It will also mean our staff can have a short break with family, should circumstances permit this.

"Once again may I say how truly sorry I am to have had to take this vital business decision. Keep safe, have a good Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you to The Waterside Inn in the New Year."

Roux added that The Waterside Inn's sister restaurant, Brasserie Roux at Skindles, is currently offering a take-away and delivery service throughout the November lockdown, and would reopen in December pending the lifting of lockdown.