Going to the pub today? Here’s what you need to know

THE Territory’s pubs, clubs and cafes will welcome punters back through their doors today. Are you going? If so, here’s what you need to know

Barstaff Rhys Venturin and Freddie Ransom celebrate the imminent reopening of Smith St Social tomorrow. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE Territory’s pubs, clubs and cafes are licking their lips at the thought of welcoming punters back through their doors today.

However, venues are asking their customers to be patient and mindful as they head out for the first weekend since the COVID-19 restrictions began.

Co-owner of Lola’s Pergola at Cullen Bay and Babylon Bar in Darwin City, Kitty Kat Mulga, said they made the decision to close both venues completely throughout the restrictions.

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However, she said they have made a plan for returning to the “new normal” – with Lola’s set to open from Friday at midday, and Babylon opening in the third stage of the restrictions rollback plan on June 5.

“We will be open for brunch from 10am on Saturday and Sunday (at Lola’s),” Ms Mulga said.

“We will have our usual menu, plus a lot of tapas dishes.

Lola's Pergola closed throughout the restrictions and Matt Mulga took the opportunity to jazz the place up. Picture: Che Chorley

“We decided to hold off on reopening Babylon just yet, and if stage 3 continues on June 5, we’ll open when everything else opens.”

Ms Mulga said they have made the changes in order to comply with the NT Government’s mandatory regulations, including that all alcohol be served with food.

“We have altered what we’re doing slightly,” she said.

“It won’t change much for us because most people would eat here anyway if they’re here at dinner time.

“But we will also be having lots of cakes and other options available later so people are eating.”

The Berry Springs Tavern owner Ian Sloan said patrons will be able to feed the resident emus when the pub reopens on Friday. Picture: Patrina Malone

Berry Springs Tavern is thrilled to welcome punters back on Friday, and is encouraging social distancing among patrons – with the exception of their resident emus.

“There’s not social distancing issues when it comes to feeding our emus,” Berry Springs Tavern owner Ian Sloan said.

“I believe they are immune to coronavirus.”

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Mr Sloan said the tavern would reopen in a more limited capacity from Friday afternoon to ensure social distancing regulations (for humans) are maintained.

“We’re opening on Friday at 4.30pm for three hours, then reopening on Saturday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and then Sunday all day” he said.

“Book in advance because there’s going to be limited tables available.

“We ask everyone to be patient and understand we’re still learning the new rules as well.”

He said the team would be holding a free barbecue for their customers on Friday to welcome them back to the venue.

“It’s our way of saying thank you (to our customers) for supporting us though what has been a pretty horrible time,” Mr Sloan said.

We’ve seen the best and worst of things over the last few months, but we’ve seen a lot of good from the community.

“I miss you all.”

Barstaff Rhys Venturin and Freddie Ransom celebrate the imminent reopening of Smith St Social tomorrow. Picture: Glenn Campbell

For punters planning on hitting restaurants and bars during the first weekend of restrictions being lifted, here are some tips from Matthews Hutcheon – Area Manager of Darwin venues Smith St Social, Monsoons and Shenannigans

1. Every pint must come with a parma — for now. The Stage 2 restrictions mean we must serve food with all drink purchases. So as you enjoy an ice old pint, you can get stuck into our awesome dishes. My recommendation is the Shags Cheeseburger washed down with a pint of Guinness

2. Go contactless. Grab out your phone and make an order from your table for a safe and contactless experience. You can view our menu, place and order and pay on your phone at all three of our Darwin venues.

3. There will be a two-hour time limit at our venues during Stage 2. So once you’ve finished up at one venue, you have the perfect excuse to pop down the road and visit one of our other two pubs.

4. Keep your distance. All of our tables will be 1.5m apart and there will be markers on the floor to help with social distance in areas where people usually queue or congregate

5. Make a booking. It has been a while between beers at the pub for Territorians, so we’re expecting to be pretty busy.

As we have reduced the capacity at our venues to allow for social distancing, it’s best to book ahead on our website to guarantee a spot.