Following updated guidance from the UK Government that restaurants may reopen, Dobbies Garden Centre will open its restaurant in Shepton Mallet on Saturday July 4.

The news comes after Dobbies reopened its store in the town in May, with strict social distancing measures in operation.

Now, in England's next phase of easing restrictions, customers will be able to enjoy food at Dobbies including scones, fish and chips, toasties, and hot and cold drinks.

The safety of team members and customers remains Dobbies' number one priority, and a number of additional social distancing measures have been put in place for the opening of the restaurant.

There will be a dedicated Safety Champion who will be solely responsible for ensuring all measures are being followed.

The Safety Champion will be on hand to answer any questions and ensure all team members and customers feel safe at all times.

In line with Government guidance, team members will be required to collect contact information from customers for NHS Test and Trace.

Tables and chairs have been laid out in the restaurant to ensure there is a safe distance between diners.

Customers will select their food then collect their covered meal from a dedicated food collection area, along with cutlery, wrapped straight from the dishwasher.

Self-service coffee machines will not be in use, but baristas will be on hand to serve hot drinks.

Dobbies will also be continuing with hygiene routines, with all trays and tables sanitised after use.

The restaurant has also taken additional steps when working with suppliers, with contact free and sanitised deliveries.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: "Following the successful reopening of our garden centre on May 13, we are well-placed to restart our restaurant operations in England.

"The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies' number one priority, which is why we have introduced the new role of Safety Champion. Not only do we want customers to feel safe, but we want them to have an enjoyable experience.

"We look forward to welcoming customers back into our Shepton Mallet restaurant and would like to thank our team members and customers for following the measures we have implemented."

Dobbies continues to follow Government guidelines across the store, with a limited number of customers permitted in store at one time.

A queuing system remains in operation outside each store, with one-metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations are available at the store entrance.

Protective screens remain installed at tills and customers are asked to pay with card or contactless.

Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members who are also receiving training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe.