Films are back on The Flowerbowl menu

The three screen luxury cinema at The Flower Bowl at Barton Grange Garden Centre at Brock is taking advance bookings only and the already "socially distanced" sofa seating will be even more socially distanced.

Marketing manager Becky Hughes said: "We've taken out a sofa on each row and two seats from the front so everyone is spaced out in groups of two. Instead of four sofas on a row there are three with gaps. Instead of eight seats (at the front) we have six with gaps ."

The rearrangement was accomplished more easily than might be expected because the seating was already on wheels .Becky said: "We could slide them in and out."

The new seating plan is now online and visitors will be able to book for a range of films from modern favourites to classics.

Becky said: "We're showing favourites like The Greatest Showman and Downton Abbey. We've a few classics like Singin' In The Rain and Grease.

"This week we're also showing Troll's Word Tour, and you'll be able to watch the first Harry Potter in the series, Philosopher's Stone, ready for the rest to follow over the coming weeks. Or, get ready for Tenet by reminding yourself why Christopher Nolan's films have to be seen on the big screen, starting with the spectacular sci-fi epic Interstellar being the first of our Knowing Nolan series."

She continued: "Staff are committed to adhere to social distancing guidelines and must stay 2m from customers and other staff at all times."

Boxed popcorn, drinks and confectionery will be on sale from The Oasis coffee bar, but there will be a reduced number of showings.

She said: "We have limited the number of showings per day so there is no overlap between start and finish times. There's around a half/one hour gap so we can thoroughly clean before and after showings."

The crazy golf range at the venue had already reopened for pre-booked ticket holders only. but the bowling alley and curling rink remain closed.

Becky said: "We're quite excited. We've opened The Willow Restaurant (with pre-booking) and now we've also opened The Ocean fish and chip restaurant for walk-ins. The fact they've been opened in stages it's given us the opportunity and chance to test the water and put all the measures in place."

At The Ocean more than half the tables and chairs have been removed to restrict the number of visitors attending at one time and ensure social distancing is maintained.

Becky added: "We are offering a reduced menu (at The Ocean) to serve food quickly and to limit the number of chefs in the kitchen at one time. Menus are disposed of after each use. To minimise touch points, tables are left empty. Condiments will be brought to your table on request. Food is brought over on a trolley and is covered by a cloche. Cutlery is also brought over wrapped. "

All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21 when visiting the cinema or The Ocean.

* Opening hours at Barton Grange Garden Centre have been reduced to ensure shelves can be restocked without getting in the way of customers.

* Photos: Neil Cross