Family open Southsea restaurant for the first time on 'Super Saturday' as coronavirus lockdown eases

This article was originally published on July 4, 2020.
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TWO weeks before lockdown the Cohen family got the keys to their restaurant but were left ‘crushed’ when they realised they wouldn’t be able to open straight away - but today they have opened the doors to their eatery for the first time.

Andrew and his wife Yvonne have opened Minnie's Kitchen on Marmion Road and have been delighted as their first customers have come through the doors on what has been dubbed ‘Super Saturday’ as businesses across England are allowed to reopen.

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The pair from Waterlooville have spent the last three months refurbishing the place, which used to be Capers, and making sure it complies with safety measures.

Staff at Minnies, Marmion Rd, Southsea, opened on 'Super Saturday' following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions
Picture: Chris Moorhouse    (040720-03)Staff at Minnies, Marmion Rd, Southsea, opened on 'Super Saturday' following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions
Picture: Chris Moorhouse    (040720-03)
Staff at Minnies, Marmion Rd, Southsea, opened on 'Super Saturday' following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions Picture: Chris Moorhouse (040720-03)

Andrew said: ‘We got the keys two weeks before lockdown was announced and it did crush our hopes and dreams somewhat. But it gave us the chance to completely renovate the place and think about table layouts to make sure it was safe when we reopened.

‘We are so excited to have opened today and have had a steady flow of customers through the door which has been good so we aren't overwhelmed. All their feedback has been so positive and people have really liked the new decor and food.

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‘It has been difficult to reopen with so many restrictions and we have had to reduce our table capacity by about two thirds but we are just so grateful to be open.’

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pubs and restaurants reopening
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Named after Andrew’s grandmother, the restaurant’s breakfast and brunch menu for the weekend including a full English and bubble and squeak.

The week menu features pan-fried sea bass and steak as well as a dessert selection.

Andrew said: ‘We have turned the place into more of a restaurant whereas before it was a cafe.

‘We come from a hospitality background and we owned a restaurant in Chichester previously, called Amelie and Friends, which we sold two or three years ago but we got the itch to be in hospitality again.

Minnies, Marmion Rd, Southsea, opened on 'Super Saturday' following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions
Picture: Chris Moorhouse    (040720-04)
Minnies, Marmion Rd, Southsea, opened on 'Super Saturday' following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions
Picture: Chris Moorhouse    (040720-04)
Minnies, Marmion Rd, Southsea, opened on 'Super Saturday' following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions Picture: Chris Moorhouse (040720-04)
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‘We are real family business and we are excited to welcome in customers.’

For more information visit minnieskitchen.co.uk/

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