Lawrence Hoskins Owner and Guardian of The George of Stamford
I wish to the keep you abreast of our plans and thoughts to tackle the curved balls that continue to be hurled at us all by the debilitating Covid-19!
The George of Stamford remains locked down and will continue thus until The Government allows us to re-open, but it does look as though July 4th could possibly see us off the starting blocks! Thankfully, the tide seems to be turning in these turbulent times.
Regretfully we have today been advised of the cancellation of The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2-6 September 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Burghley Horse Trials and The George of Stamford are synonymous – not only are we a sponsor of the event, but the organisers, guests and riders are all part of our Burghley Family – we will miss them all enormously. Burghley is an important part of our year, but we now look forward to 1 – 5 September 2021.
But the great news is that we are creating lots of possible scenarios for the gradual re-opening with the health and safety of all paramount. Initially one idea could be an ‘outside café’ in the beautiful and convivial Courtyard, observing ‘social distancing’, and then perhaps one restaurant, together with a few bedrooms... then a larger restaurant presence with more bedrooms in use. Initially it will be different, but still very much our beloved George!
Eventually we will revert to the two Restaurants and Bars and the wonderful buzz of The George of old, with our army of Friends and Family - our treasured customers. Once again The Hotel will be back as we all know and love her ... working smoothly under the mantle of the ‘new norm’. Menus will have altered a little as needs must – but not a lot – and our famous Roast Beef will still be very much in evidence! Celebrations, meeting up with family, and the joy of partaking of fine fayre and wine in a unique setting, ‘just because we can’, are on the cusp of returning! It would appear to be able to work rather well... consciously keeping everyone safe, nevertheless still hugely enjoyable for you to dine with us –
Jo Chisholm is manning Reservations, currently with slightly restricted hours. E-mails, telephone calls and enquiries will be handled with their normal efficiency and attention to detail. We are receiving many encouraging future bookings for dinner and luncheon, private dining parties, a myriad of celebrations and weddings! Copious enquiries for Gift Cards for those wishing to give someone special something to look forward to are also being received and sent. Obviously, we are extending current Gift Cards enabling beneficiaries to enjoy a future treat. We are very pleased you can’t wait to return to The George and hugely look forward to welcoming you!
The Staff are all still furloughed and are desperate to come back and work in the exceptional environment of the busy hotel that we will surely have again soon.
We are keen to keep in touch with you all and will report again in June, when I hope we will have clarity and the awful blight of Covid-19 will continue receding into the past. Innovative and non-invasive methods of dealing with the prevention of the virus are already in place in The Hotel - we are proud of our work and continuing progress to protect and ensure confidence to those visiting and working within the boundaries of this Grand Old Dame.
Keep yourself and those close to you safe and well.
With heartfelt thanks for your support and loyalty.
Paul Reseigh Chef Patron / Gardener Extraordinaire
