IT is time for restaurants to come off government life-support - and return to doing what they do best, says a top York restaurateur.

Michael Hjort, boss of the York Food Festival and owner of Meltons and The Chopping Block, says most (though not all) York restaurants will have survived lockdown, thanks to the furlough scheme, reduced-rate VAT, and grants and loans.

But next week's further easing of lockdown restrictions, which will allow restaurants to once again serve customers indoors, can’t come soon enough, he says. “As a chef, as a proprietor, we want people in our restaurants, eating food and enjoying themselves,” he said.

“I don’t think anybody would choose to live on any form of life support, which is what we have been doing.”

From Monday, restaurants and pubs can re-open indoors.

There will still be restrictions in place. Groups of up to six - or two households of any size - will be allowed inside. Every customer aged 16 or over will have to check in with NHS test and trace, or provide contact details.

Social distancing will remain, and when not seated - for example while being shown to a table, or going to the toilet - customers will still have to wear face masks.

The numbers of people allowed inside any one restaurant will also be restricted to what is possible with social distancing.

But even so, Mr Hjort said, with the reduction in VAT to five per cent having been extended to September 30, it offers restaurants a real chance to recoup some of the money they have lost during lockdown.

"With the furlough payments and various grants, I think most restaurants have managed to pay the bills and tread water - although there will be exceptions," he said.

"But we want people back. I would just urge customers to come out for a meal when they feel safe and secure. It doesn't have to be in the first week - but restaurants will be keen to see you!"

Most restaurateurs are fully aware of the importance of hygiene, he stressed. "They are aware of their obligations on hygiene measures and social distancing, and have taken steps."

One of Mr Hjort's restaurants, The Chopping Block on Walmgate, will be opening on Monday with a special fund-raising evening to raise money for York MIND.

Meltons on Scarcroft Road, meanwhile, will be open from Tuesday.

As to the York Food and Drink Festival - there are definite plans to go ahead with it in September this year, Mr Hjort confirmed - although details cannot be finalised until more is known about what the Covid situation will be in the UK then.