| Update 14th July 2021 |
| You will be aware that the PM has announced that the legal COVID-19 restrictions will be removed from Monday 19th July 2021. However he and the rest of the Govt have stressed that the pandemic is far from over and we are all still expected to play our part by personal and corporate responsibility. By way of an example, the mayor of London has said that they will enforce restriction on users of the London transport systems. If you have travelled on a London tube in a rush hour, you will know why. So how do these changes affect SCHCC i.e. the bar? The Bar & House committee met with Sarah, the bar manager, last evening to discuss this and we decided the following: From Monday 19th July 2021, we will continue to have table service only for those seated inside and a maximum of 8 to a table. For those seated outside, we will be providing an ordering/collection point close to the till. The tennis gents toilets will be fully opened. No drinking or socialising at the bar. We have an expectation that people will do the following: Use a face covering while indoors, until seated. Scan the NHS QR code on arrival. Use hand sanitisers, that will be available for the foreseeable future. Operate social distancing whilst not seated within the building; operate common sense especially when busy. Be patient and respect our staff and other members. We further agreed that we would make an adjustment to have the bar open longer on Sundays & Mondays, also from Monday 19th July Mondays 5:30 – 10:00 Tuesdays 5:30 – 9:00 Wednesdays 5:30 – 10:00 Thursdays 5:30 – 10:00 Fridays 5:30 – 10:00 Saturdays 2:00 -7:00 Sundays 2:00 -8:00 |
| Update 12th June 2021 |
| Modified Opening Hours During Euro Football. For all you football fans out there, we are pleased to let you know that we will be showing most of the Euro games in the bar and depending on demand, also in the function room. For all of these matches we will be providing a special offer of £3/pint for an hour before each game and during the match. So enjoy safely and sensibly and respect the staff and other customers. Here are the revised opening times for the matches involving the home nations: Saturday June 12th Wales vs Switzerland; Kick-off 2pm (Baku) Bar open 2:00-7:00 (can’t do hour before offer) Sunday June 13th England vs Croatia; Kick-off 2pm (London) Bar open 12:30-7:00 Wednesday June 16th Turkey vs Wales: Kick-off 5pm (Baku) Bar open 5:00-10:00 Friday June 18th England vs Scotland; Kick-off 8pm (London) Bar open 5:30-10:30 Sunday June 20th Italy vs Wales; Kick-off 5pm (Rome) Bar open 2:00-7:00 Tuesday June 22nd Czech Republic vs England; Kick-off 8pm (London) & Croatia vs Scotland; Kick-off 8pm (Glasgow) Bar open 5:30-10:30 Covid restrictions will still apply and we all need to observe them. In summary: It has to be TABLE SERVICE only, we have become used to this recently so should not be a problem. No standing at the bar. Maximum of six to a table indoors, wear a mask when you arrive, go to the toilet and when you leave. Use the toilets near the tennis office. Sanitise your hands on arrival, sign the register & if you have a SmartPhone, scan the NHS Venue Check-in from QR code. So enjoy the experience, be respectful to the staff, to other club members/players and if you feel more comfortable, use the outside tables. |
| Update 17th May 2021 |
| Ok so the big day has is here, Super Monday has arrived. The squash club is open for normal play which will help the footfall in the bar. But from today, we can socialise indoors for the first time in many, many months – FANTASTIC. We are keeping the opening hours as per the post below but as our confidence in the demand increases, we will extend the times – so support this terrific facility. Covid restrictions will still apply and we all need to observe them. In summary: It has to be TABLE SERVICE only, we have become used to this recently so should not be a problem. No standing at the bar. Maximum of six to a table indoors, wear a mask when you arrive, go to the toilet and when you leave. Use the toilets near the tennis office. Sanitise your hands on arrival, sign the register & if you have a SmartPhone, scan the NHS Venue Check-in from QR code. So enjoy the experience, be respectful to the staff, to other club members/players and if you feel more comfortable, use the outside tables. |
| Update 13th May 2021 |
| The trial to open the bar for outside service has proved successful and popular with the membership, so thanks to the staff and members for their support. We are now going to move to the next stage, following recent Government announcements. For a trial period of two weeks the bar will be open for outside AND inside service, please see table of opening times below. Covid restrictions will still apply and we all need to observe them. In summary: It has to be TABLE SERVICE only, we have become used to this recently so should not be a problem. No standing at the bar. Maximum of six to a table indoors, wear a mask when you arrive, go to the toilet or when you leave. Use the toilets near the tennis office. Sanitise your hands on arrival, sign the register & if you have a SmartPhone, scan the NHS Venue Check-in from QR code. If you don’t have a SmartPhone, borrow your grandkid’s one 🙂 There are obviously additional costs with providing table service but we feel that it is the right thing to trial and see what the demand is like. We will review the days/hours following this initial two weeks and if the demand is good we will open more. If we all continue to support the bar, it will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all of us. Mondays 5:30 – 9:00 Tuesdays 5:30 – 9:00 Wednesdays 5:30 – 10:00 Thursdays 5:30 – 10:00 Fridays 5:30 – 10:00 Saturdays 2:00 -7:00 Sundays 2:00 -7:00 The bar may close early (during the last hour) if there less than four customers, so check before you come down for a quick one late in the evening. |
| Update 4th May 2021 |
| Great news & by popular demand, we have now arranged for the outside bar to be open on Sundays from this Sunday (9th May) from 2pm-7pm. So weather permitting the service will be available as follow, until we can open inside hopefully soon: Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 5pm-10pm Saturdays & Sundays 2pm-7pm. Please remember to be patient with our staff and follow good hand hygiene, scan the NHS QR code, sign in & follow social distancing practices at all time. When inclement weather is expected, we will advise if the bar has to close via this channel. Have fun, be respectful and stay safe. |
| Update 5th April 2021 |
| Following the UK Government’s roadmap out of COVID restrictions, we intend to open the club bar for OUTSIDE table service w/c 12th April 2021. There are additional costs associated with outside table service, since we will need a minimum of 2 members of staff at all times. The SCHCC (aka Bar & House) committee have consulted with the membership of the tennis and squash clubs via a survey and 150 people participated in this. This is a significant proportion of the clubs, so thank you to all that contributed. Looking at the survey responses, we believe that we can provide a financially viable service by operating a limited service. For the first 2 weeks we will open as below and review the actual demand and change the opening days/times as appropriate. Upgrades: We will be installing some infra-red heaters and Greene King are providing some parasol/umbrellas. Both of these will take the edge off the low temperatures which will be likely during an average UK Spring. The roadmap suggests that inside service is likely to be possible from 17th May 2021, if the control of the virus continues as expected. Of course the restrictions that we have all become accustomed to will still need to be adhered to – specifically: 1. Everyone attending must sign in the register and if you use a smart phone please check-in with the NHS Trace App by scanning the QR code which is located on the entrance doors/noticeboards. 2. Arrive wearing a face-covering and wear it whenever inside the building. 3. After signing in, the only reason to be inside is to use the toilet, regardless of your vaccination status. The toilets are located near the tennis gym. Establish that the toilet room is vacant before entering. 4. Sanitise your hands on arrival and before/after using the toilet and when leaving. 5. A maximum of 6 people should be on each table. 6. Please pay by card if at all possible. These next points are not to do with COVID but are still essential. Please respect the bar staff at all times and follow their instructions, be patient – we don’t know how many will attend, at any given time and on occasion is may be busy. If there are matches on the adjacent tennis courts, please keep your voices low – show respect. Opening Days/Times: For the first two weeks we will be open as below and then review. Weekday evening open Wednesday 14th, Thursday 15th and Friday 16th all from 5pm – 10pm. Weekend afternoon/early evening Saturday 17th from 2pm – 7pm. Weekday evening open Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd all from 5pm – 10pm. Weekend afternoon/early evening Saturday 24th from 2pm – 7pm. We all hope that the weather on these days is not terrible, however we all know what can happen. The bar will open as above unless we deem it to be not enjoyable, if this happens a message will be sent to the SCHCC Social WhatsApp group ASAP. So keep up to date with your your messages or if you are not in the group and want to be – please message Tony with your name 07531 059126. |
| Update 14th October 2020 |
| The bar has had to close, although it will be open Saturday 17th 3:30-8:00 for a pre-arranged outdoor event. The weather forecast isn’t to bad. Use discount code CLUBMEMBER to get your 10% off 🙂 Order your food here: https://www.exploretock.com/theenglishindian/experience/184040/menu/sutton-coldfield-tennis-club-saturday-17th-october |
| Update 14th October 2020 |
| Hello All Bar Closure Notice Unfortunately, we are having to write to you today to inform you that the Bar will be closed until further notice. As you all know further restrictions on socialising indoors were placed on Birmingham overnight, and we fall under those new regulations. We do know that pubs and bars are not obliged to shut, as they can still serve individuals and family groups. What we don’t know is how that will work. We plan to spend the next week or so observing how the hospitality industry interprets the new restrictions to see if there is a way we can operate legally and safely. Please bear with us, because if we find we can, we will open the bar. A little bit of Good News We plan to open for some events, though it will be for outside drinking only. The first of these is this Saturday, 17th October from 4:30. The English Indian are back, with their street-food take on Fish and Chips, and Sarah and the team will open the bar for take outside drinking from 3pm until just after 8pm. Please do respect the new measures and only drink outside and in groups no larger than six. None of us wanted this, but as with all things Covid it is what it is, and we have to live with it. As soon as we know any more, we’ll be right back in touch. With very best wishes Oliver, Tony, Norma, Peter, Mark, and Pete SCHCC Bar and House Committee |
| Update 17th September |
| The award winning street food vendor The English Indian will be at the club this Saturday 19th 4:30 – 8:15. The menu is a fusion of Indian Spice & Traditional Fish & Chips. It is click and collect only and use the discount code to obtain 10% reduction on their published prices. Here’s how you order: Go to http://exploretock.com/theenglishindian On the right hand side there’s a calendar, click Sat 19th and you will see the Sutton venue appear on the left, you can view menu and place you order, select a time to pick it up. Then make the payment and apply the discount code, which is CLUBMEMBER They plan to be at the club each Saturday every fourth week, so 19th Sept, then 17th October and 14th November. If there is sufficient demand, they will continue and or come more often. Enjoy |
| Update 24th September |
| Following the new guidelines for hospitality businesses, we have changed the way the bar will operate from Thursday 24th September. We will operate table service only. This is the key change and a significant one for us. Please do not try to order at the bar, nor congregate there. Please sanitise your hands on entry, sign in (mandatory now), and then find a table. The bar team member will know you are in and get to you as soon as possible. Like many businesses we are having to adapt very quickly, so please bear with us as we work out the best way to run a table service and keep our great bar open. As with all other businesses, please be prepared to wear a mask around the bar and other public areas until you have found your seat. We all know this is a hot topic for many people, but it is what it is, and it is key to us staying open that we follow these guidelines. Your support with adapting to these changes is truly appreciated and ensures our club is safe, compliant and stays open. Any questions do ask anyone of us, and we’ll try to help . Oliver, Tony, Norma, Peter, Mark and Pete Best Regards SCHCC Bar and House Committee |
| Update 28th July 2020 |
| From this Saturday 31st August Access To Site Change |
| The outside one-way system will be removed from this Saturday, so entrance to the site will be back to normal – use you swipe card to enter through green side-gate. This makes the site more secure and the one-way is no longer required. The padlocks on this gate will also be removed at this time. The padlock will remain on the entrance adjacent to the tennis office for the time-being. The padlock will also remain on the squash entrance until we and met the majority of players and explained (face to face) our hygiene and social distance regulations. For the two weeks, following opening, there will be someone greeting all members that have booked a court – this person will remove and refit our padlock. Thanks for your cooperation, this way we don’t have a problem, keep the club open and hope we can reduce restrictions when UK Govt allow this. Have fun and stay safe. |
| Update 24th July 2020 |
| Delighted to let you know that the bar will be open on Wednesdays as well as Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday times as below: After playing either go home and get showered and return or towel down and maybe change your shirt (come prepared). We will open the Squash and Tennis showers/changing rooms as soon as it is safely allowed. The Tennis toilets are to be used by anyone in the bar; Squash toilets only for members while at club to play. The bar opening days/hours are on a trial basis, we may need to adjust them up or down according to demand, so use the bar and have fun safely. Saturday – 1pm to 6pm Wednesday 5pm – 9pm Thursday 5pm – 9pm Friday 5pm – 9pm Have fun safely, we have all learned how to behave in a hygienic and social distant fashion over the last 4 months. So please continue with this and respect the bar staff, as always. Tony and the Bar and House Committee |
July 17th 2020
We are delighted to announce that the Hards Bar will re-open on Saturday 25th July. The Bar will be open from 1pm until 7pm. The ongoing temporary opening times will be Thursday and Friday, 5.30 until 9.30pm and Saturdays 1pm until 7pm. We will constantly review these hours and adjust them according to demand.
As with all business’s life will be different from normal for a while. You will all be used to social distancing, controlled entries and exits, separate payment and collection points and a high level of hygiene. The Bar will be no different. We have run a comprehensive Risk Assessment and we are happy that as long as we all follow the guidelines, the Bar can be a safe and enjoyable place for all members and staff.
The Risk Assessment covers guidelines for those using the Bar, and procedures for safe working practices. The guidelines will be visible for all in the Bar area and on club notice boards. There will also be reminder signage around the Bar and club re-enforcing the guidelines. It surely goes without saying that it is extremely important we all follow the guidelines, not just for our own safety, but so the Bar can stay open and be a safe and enjoyable place for us all to enjoy.
We have established a safe capacity for the Bar and the staff will manage numbers. Please respect the work they have to do in these circumstances, and if they advise that you will have to use an outside space or the Function Room, then you must follow their direction.
As I write this, we are not sure what the protocol for the use of showers will be. If we are advised we can’t use showers, could we ask that you wait a few minutes before entering the bar to cool down, perhaps towel dry and/or change your shirt if possible.
Please do support the Bar. This is a critical time for us, and while I won’t say ‘use it or lose it’, the Bar has always sailed quite close to the wind, and these last few months have, like all hospitality businesses been devastating for the Bar’s finances. It’s a great facility, which as a club we are fortunate to have, so let’s make the most of it. The full member guidelines are available here. Can you all please read thoroughly so that you know what to do and expect when you pop by.
I and all the committee look forward to seeing you in the Bar and in the club over the next few weeks. Please do stop any one of us if you have any thoughts, comments or concerns over how things are running. It’s your club and your Bar after all!
Very Best Wishes
Ollie Fincher, Norma Honey, Tony McAllister, Peter Whatson, Mark Penny and Peter Hull
SCHCC Bar and House Committee