WITH the whole of the country in a state of lockdown for a third time and all but essential shops allowed to remain open, it's a tough time for many of Knutsford's usually thriving independent businesses.

However, those that are able to trade are proving to be a real lifeline, giving people a taste of normality, with many now confined to their homes seven days a week.

For television presenter Katy Rickitt and her actor husband Adam, the first national lockdown came within a couple of months of them taking hold of the keys of popular bottle shop and bar, Dexter and Jones.

Rather than let the stop/start uncertainty perturb them as bar owners, the couple have actually taken positives from the experience of having no option but to learn how to adapt to new and different ways of working.

Katy said: "In normal times we operate as both a bar and a bottle shop, but in lockdown we are classed as an essential off license.

"What we do is provide a space which is a bit safer for people than buying alcohol in a busy supermarket, where people are also buying food.

"We've also increased our home delivery service so that it's six days a week now.

"On a Friday and Saturday we deliver to places up to eight miles away, which people really appreciate because not everyone has a bottle shop like this on their doorstep.

"Some of the beers we sell are really different and it gives something for people to look forward to.

Knutsford Guardian: Adam and Katy have been running the popular bar since November 2019.

"One of our customers in Wilmslow who I delivered to on Friday said he'd been looking forward to it all week.

"From our point of view, and we've said this since the first lockdown, we were terrified of the effect it would have on mental health.

"People forget, bars are places where you could go and sit on your own and have a guaranteed friend to talk to and it really sucks that we can't do that.

"I remember during the first lockdown delivering some beers to a guy in his 80's and he asked me to stand at the end of his drive and have a chat with him as he hadn't seen another human being.

"So I think the places that can open and do so safely in a controlled environment are really important."

Dexter and Jones is open seven days a week, with home deliveries being made six days a week (Mon-Thurs in the Knutsford area only with this expanded to anywhere in an eight mile radius on Friday and Saturday).

For further information head to - https://www.dexterandjones.co.uk/.

April Stobart, who runs independent eaterie April's Kitchen, said the latest lockdown has seen the business remain open for both take away and delivery, with customers grateful for a taste of the old normal.

"We're open seven days a week for coffee, breakfast and lunch and then Thursday, Friday and Saturday we do a tapas menu," said April.

"Our Sunday lunches are proving to be really popular too.

Knutsford Guardian: April's kitchen is offering customers a full take away and delivery service seven days a week.

"Some people have questioned whether take aways should be classed as essential services, but they offer something different, giving people stuck at home a break and a treat, which is really important for mental health.

"You're also offering an alternative to supermarkets, which takes some pressure off them because during the first lockdown they were manic and there was nothing on the shelves.

"By staying open, we are doing our bit to alleviate some of those pressures.

"It is also really important for my own staff as by staying open and offering the service we do, it also helps them with their own mental health by giving them a routine.

"It's been nice to see some of our regulars and meeting new customers, albeit not in the way we would all like at the moment."

For further information head to https://aprils-kitchen.co.uk/

Adapting to new ways of working is even something Mark Lee-Kilgariff has had to do with his Tatton Perk mobile coffee business and he is acutely aware of the importance of keeping his customers safe and providing them with a

lifeline during these difficult times.

He said: "We've been operating for about three years now and the van's got quite a loyal following.

"People seem to love it, because it's quite a cute little thing.

"I'm based at Booths Park during the week and although lots of the offices are empty at the moment, I get people who are working from home coming for a coffee and I get lots of walkers too.

Knutsford Guardian: Tatton Perk has proven to be very popular with its customers.

"They've allowed me to keep going really because if I was relying on office workers alone I wouldn't be able to make a living out of it."

After taking some time away during the first lockdown, and as the world got to find out more about how the virus spread, Mark has been able to operate since, with the safety of his customers being paramount.

"Since I've come back I've been really mindful of having social distancing in place," he added.

"I've re-configured how I serve, using different hatches, so that people are never within two metres of me and that works brilliantly

"I've had plenty of people telling me how safe it all feels for them.

"The only issue I have is when it rains as people have a natural inclination to huddle under the hatch, so I've decided not to trade when it's wet as I can't do it safely."

With some politicians and health exerts questioning whether street food and take away coffee should be classed as an essential service, Mark admits to having had some sleepless nights about carrying on, but has been given a boost after speaking to his customers.

He added: "I canvassed opinion amongst them all last week and everyone of them said they wanted me to carry on.

"I had a couple in their late 70's who told me that me and the coffee van are they only time they get so speak to anyone outside their social bubble, while someone else burst into tears when I said I might not be able to continue.

"It's so important for mental health and if you can continue trading safely, I think there's a imperative to carry on as people need a little highlight in their day.

"They tell me the van punctuates their days, gives them something to focus on and lifts their spirits, while giving them something to do."

Tatton Perk operates every Sunday in Knutsford at Moorside (Moor Park) and during the week you can get your coffee fix by heading over to Booths Park where Mark and his van will be every Tuesday-Friday between 8am-12pm.

Evuna Restaurant and Bar is another of the town's businesses trying its best to offer Knutsfordian's a dining out experience in the comfort of their own homes.

The popular chain, with locations in Manchester and Altrincham, launched its brand new Lockdown Spanish Experience this weekend with Director Jane Dowler hailing it as an early success.

She said: "We have been thinking a lot over lockdown on the best way to do this, as we are so over the DIY kits with fiddly ingredients, so its took us a while to come up with the right formula, so we hope people like it.

"The experience allows people to enjoy a real taste of Spain at home this lockdown with our first Spanish feast.

"Prepared fresh by or talented Chefs for you, and simple to heat and finish in your kitchen.

Knutsford Guardian: Evuna Knutsford

"Its been really popular with the regulars this weekend and we are 50 per cent full for next weekend already."

The full tasting menu includes, hams, cheeses and chorizo (veggie option too), a choice of tapas, finished with a classic paella.

Price start at £50 for two, or £60.00 with a bottle of your favourite Evuna Wine.

All orders must be received before Wednesday at midday for the weekend delivery.

For further information - https://evuna.com/evuna-knutsford/.