text: Christmas dinner cancelled by Tier 3 lockdown as venues offer refunds and takeaways - Grimsby Live
  The hospitality industry has already been hit hard by the pandemic and now is losing out on one of the most lucrative days of the year
  Updated 09:26, 18 DEC 2020
  The announcement that the region will remain in Tier 3 means the cancellation of many Christmas bookings (Image: Getty/GrimsbyLive)
  The announcement that northern Lincolnshire will remain in the highest level of coronavirus restrictions has come as anotherblow to the hospitality industry in the region.
  All venues will be missing out on one of the most lucrative times of the year and in particular Christmas day itself,where many people usually enjoy at local restaurants and pubs.
  While staff at the venues will face the task of refunding all their pre-paid bookings over the coming days, many are still trying to make the most of the season by offering takeaway and delivery services even on the big day itself.
  Staff at Beechwood Farm took to Facebook to appeal for patience as they undertake the 'mammoth' task of processing refunds (Image: Grimsby Telegraph)
  Beechwood Farm on Village Way wrote about the difficulties facing their much reduced team with the task of contacting everyone who had made a booking with them.
  They said: "We have the difficult situation of cancelling all of our Christmas bookings, including Christmas Day and Christmas Day takeaway. This is going to be a mammoth task for us to complete with all our staff on furlough still.
  "Please, please bear with us as we contact all bookings in due course. Our manager will be available via phone from 8:30-13:00 tomorrow.
  "We thank you for your patience. Keep safe and hopefully we shall see you after Christmas!"
  Miller and Carter on Weelsby road wrote on social media: "Unfortunately, with the latest news that we remain in Tier Three, we are sadly unable to reopen for the remainder of this year.
  "Our priority is to ensure we return all money to guests as soon as possible. Have a lovely Christmas and New Year and hopefully we can celebrate with you all again soon."
  The response to the announcement from all in the industry has been one of sadness but many are still finding new ways to overcome the challenges the pandemic poses by offering takeaway Christmas dinners.
  Miller Indian restaurant in Waltham wrote: "Ladies and gentlemen. As we remain in Tier 3, we will not be opening the restaurant service this year including Christmas day.
  "However we are still doing collection and delivery service every day including Christmas day. Customers paid deposits for Christmas day, boxing day and New year's Eve can use your deposit on our Takeaway service or have a full refund.
  "Please stay safe every one and have a wonderful Christmas."
  Abbys Wine Bar & Bistro decided earlier in the month that they would not be re-opening if the region moved to Tier 2 (Image: Paige Freshwater)
  Abbys Bistro in the town centre had decided earlier in the month to postpone opening even if Tier 2 was announced, they wrote: "We have been thinking long and hard over the last couple of weeks about when and how we can reopen.
  "If we move into Tier 2 we have made the extremely difficult decision to remain closed over December. In Tier 2 whilst we could open, all customers must come as one household meaning you can only mix inside with the people you live with.
  "This can only lead to confusion, especially during the period where 'Christmas bubbles' are allowed to form but unfortunately are still not allowed to mix inside hospitality venues.
  "As you all know, at Abby's we have an amazing atmosphere and cheer over the Christmas period which we feel the current restrictions will take that away, understandably.
  "We are incredibly sad and disappointed that it has come to this. We are going to miss all of the wonderful festive celebrations that we should be having but our priority remains, as it always has, with the safety of our staff and customers."
  Across the industry there will be hope that going into the New Year and with regular scheduled reviews of the Tier system that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel.