South Shields' Sea Hotel gets ready to welcome more wedding guests after announcement

Prime Minister gave the go ahead for weddings with more than 30 guests from June 21 in his announcement on Monday.

The number of guests will be determined by how many people venues can safely accommodate with social-distancing measures in place.

The Sea Hotel, which has 50 weddings booked in for the rest of the year, has now been able to speak with excited brides and grooms as they look to invite more of their friends and family.

Kyrie Geach, general manager of The Sea Hotel, said: “We’re really excited to welcome an increased number of wedding guests to the hotel from next week.

"The hotel has 50 weddings booked in for between now and the end of the year, and we are talking to all of our couples as they look to expand their guest lists.”

The delay on restrictions ending is less good news for the hotel’s bar and restaurant, including its new outdoor venue The Dockyard.

Situated outside the Sea Hotel, the Dockyard offers a range of food vendors as well as live music and sport on big screens, making it a hit with customers since it opened on April 12.

In its first month alone it attracted 12,000 people and bosses had been looking forward to a successful summer trade with no restrictions in place.

But Kyrie said the business is just grateful to stay open, and hopes the delay will mean no further lockdowns.

Kyrie added: “Of course, we’re disappointed that we can’t fully reopen our bar, but we would rather work to the current restrictions than be forced into another lockdown.

“However, our outdoor Dockyard venue is continuing to be really popular, particularly during the European Championships matches we’re showing, as has been the Buddha Lounge since we were able to welcome diners back inside the restaurant.”

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