AS dozens of bars and restaurants across the north prepare to re-open in some form from today, government guidelines dictate there will be significant change in how they operate and around the customer experience.
Many won't open at all, while others will operate at vastly reduced capacity, and economy minister Diane Dodds has hailed the re-opening as "a hugely positive step forward".
Among the innovations customers can expect is a new licensed restaurant concept which has been designed to deliver a socially distanced hospitality experience, opening the first time in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
'Cargo by Vertigo' is the latest venture from entrepreneurs Gareth and Lorna Murphy of adventure company We Are Vertigo, which will sit alongside their restaurant Spud Murphy’s, overlooking the famous H&W cranes.
In just two weeks the previously unused area has been transformed into a unique outdoor eatery covered with stretch tents more typically seen at festivals, and the bars and VIP areas are carved out of large shipping containers.
Mr Murphy said: “We've always worked hard to innovate, and now more than ever we need to see some out-of-the-box thinking to keep our hospitality sector moving forwards.
“We want to see people back out enjoying themselves, and Cargo by Vertigo will allow them to do this in a safe and spacious environment in the historic location of Titanic Quarter.”
He added: “Capacity management will be a big challenge, which is why it is important for customers to pre-book at www.wearevertigo.com/cargo as we navigate through a new era of socialising.”
