Cafe owners in Dartford and Gravesend have reacted to the third lockdown as they make preparations for the tough winter months ahead.

The Prime Minister returned to his stay at home message on Monday night which is expected to last until at least the middle of February.

As a result, all non-essential shops across England including hospitality and retail businesses are restricted to takeaway services only.

But cafe bosses like Gurjit Randhawa, owner of two Esquires Coffee shops in Dartford and Crayford, now face an agonising decision over whether it is financially viable to operate in this way.

"It is a lot different than the first lockdown," said Gurjit. "I'm still trying to make a decision as to whether it is going to be cost effective to remain open.

"Dartford I think is a sustainable business. Crayford, I'm really concerned about because it is not turning over how it should. Footfall is down as well."

It's a far cry from October when Gurjit reported he had expanded from his Dartford branch to another location just two miles down the road in Bexley after a bounce back from the first lockdown.

But as Kent descended through the tier system the cafe boss says it has had an adverse impact on both businesses in the months that followed.

Gurjit says the announcement seems to have had an immediate effect in Dartford High Street where footfall has dropped sharply.

"Not many people about at all yesterday," he said, adding "normally we have quite a lot of people out walking the dog", but such pop in visits have all but "diminished".

Help was offered to hard-hit hospitality businesses by the Chancellor yesterday after it was announced fresh financial aid totalling £4.6 billion would be winging its way to pubs, bars and cafes among others.

The latest funding announced means each venue forced to close can apply for grants of up to £9,000, dependent on rateable value.

However, there was some confusion over whether staying open to provide takeaways would preclude businesses from accessing support.

But notwithstanding any complications Gurjit explains the sum offered is far below the £25,000 cash grants available to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses following the first lockdown.

"It is going to be a struggle even with that grant," he said. "It is likely that many need more support after February 15."

He explained various, albeit very time consuming, adjustments could be made to help businesses like his stay afloat.

But certain contractual obligations such as buildings, contents and staff insurance were quite rightly non negotiable and costs could soon spiral if no revenue is generated, Gurjit adds.

All will be need to factored into his final decision as to whether it is financial sustainable to reopen as a takeaway business for the months ahead he says.

In any event, Gurjit is hoping to remain in contact with his customers, who for many he says grabbing a coffee is their "last last bit of normality".

"It sounds quite silly but it is part of their day. They are going to go for a walk, chat to staff, unload and go back to what ever they were up to."

"The people I serve on a day to day basis, you can see clearly more and more people are struggling.

"The first lockdown it was very different. In some ways it was exciting, you had more time spent with family or jobs in the house that had been left over."

But now he says people are noticeably more agitated and on edge.

Gurjit says the simple act of popping out for a coffee, even if they can't dine in, has been keeping many customers motivated as something to look forward to.

"I'm a firm believer that grabbing a coffee and taking a walk is actually helping people's mental state of mind," he said.

"That is probably the last bit of normality left for them."

'That is probably the last bit of normality left for them...'

Meanwhile, in Gravesend Nell's Cafe owner Sandra Hassan says they are gearing up preparations to continue their delivery service after a brief break over Christmas.

The family-run business, just off the A2 at Marling Cross, is a firm favourite among truckers, bikers and celebrity clientele alike.

But it is currently restricted to takeaway and delivery only under the latest set of restrictions.

However, Ms Hassan said she is just happy they can continue to serve meals to their customers doors, explaining many are elderly and rely on the service.

"We just have to go by the government guidelines until they say we can open," she said. "At the moment we are lucky to be able to open for takeaway and delivery."

"It is better for us because we get to keep safe. We don't know who has got it (the virus) when taking it to people's houses."

Ms Hassan has had to put two staff members on furlough and is now working with her brother in the kitchen to prep meals.

The cafe owner says being a family business has its advantages as they carry out deliveries themselves rather than employing outside drivers over phone apps who they don't know where they have been.

"Everyone has been tested and we are all negative," she adds. "There are no drivers just doing it all ourselves - either the chef will do it or one of the girls."

Ms Hassan said the last lockdown was actually beneficial as they managed to carry out some much needed renovations which would also make it more Covid-secure when it eventually reopens.

But the cafe owner says she is sympathetic to other businesses who may be struggling.

"I still have all the bills to pay," she said, but added she was "lucky" because she owns the freehold of the premises.

However, Ms Hassan went on to explain she had commercial tenants in properties she manages who were struggling to afford the rent and that she had made arrangements for them to pay her back later when they were able to.

"It is heartbreaking. We would not put them on the street."

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