The doors at Derbyshire hotel, golf and leisure complex Morley Hayes may have been closed for the past 11 weeks, but owners Andrew and Robert Allsop and their team have been busy introducing a series of innovative new services and preparing for the reopening of its facilities when government regulations permit.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Morley Hayes has diversified its service offerings to help support its local communities. Now, the team is working hard behind the scenes, putting special measures in place ready to reopen.
Just before the lockdown was announced by the government, the venue on Main Road in Morley launched a takeaway and delivery service, serving a selection of hot and cold dishes from its popular Roosters Bar and Restaurant menu.
The service has been a huge success and has been expanded to include more dishes, a special Sunday menu and the new Morley Grill Box, which has been launched just in time for BBQ season.
They also started supplying essentials including milk, flour and bread for anyone struggling to get supplies from the supermarket or those in at risk groups who have been self-isolating.
Owen Taylor have been running a socially distanced pop-up butchers shop every Saturday morning at Morley Hayes, giving customers the chance to buy a range of meat packs and products.
The luxury four-star Morley Hayes hotel also opened its doors to key workers looking for a place to stay closer to work or somewhere to rest and relax, or people whose company needs them to self-isolate.
New safety measures include contactless check-ins with a shield between staff and guests, the introduction of hand sanitising stations across the complex and strict distancing guidelines.
Morley Hayes reopened its Championship Manor Course, Tower Course and Driving Range on 13 May with strict guidelines in place. Initially players could team up with members of the same household or one player from another household. From 1 June, three balls and four balls have been permitted.
Hand washing stations must be used upon arrival and when finished. There is a one-way system into the golf shop, operating on a one in, one out system. Perspex screens have also been installed to keep staff and players safe.
Golfers must stay 2m apart. Ball retrievers have been installed on the flags so golfers can use their putters to collect the ball without having to touch it.
Although the 2 AA rosette Dovecote restaurant and popular Roosters Bar and Restaurant still remain closed, preparations are underway for their reopening. This includes the installation of a walkway connecting the Roosters garden to the conservatory, which will enhance the one-way system that has been put in place.
Commenting on the services that have been launched during lockdown and their plans for the reopening of their facilities, Andrew Allsop, managing director of Morley Hayes, said:
“We decided to remain open during the lockdown and diversify our services to enable us to support our local communities.
“Our takeaway and delivery service has been a massive success and we’ve received some tremendous feedback, which has been a real boost at what has been a difficult time for everyone.
“We worked hard behind the scenes to maintain our golf courses during the closure, which enabled us to reopen as soon as we were permitted to.
“We’re now getting our restaurants ready for reopening. The safety of our staff and guests is our number one priority so we are modifying our facilities in order to keep everyone safe when we are able to open. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Morley Hayes soon.”
Situated in the heart of the stunning Derbyshire countryside overlooking parkland golf courses, Morley Hayes boasts a luxury four star, 32-bedroom hotel and a choice of three restaurants, including the award-winning two AA rosette Dovecote restaurant, Roosters and Spike Bar.
Golf facilities include a championship 18-hole Manor course, 9-hole Tower course, a newly refurbished 17 bay, all weather floodlit driving range, golf pavilion, new Tower Café and a highly respected Golf Academy.
Meals can be ordered and collected from 12 noon to 9.00pm by calling 01332 780480 ext 224. The delivery service is free of charge to those who live within a five-mile radius of the complex on Main Road in Morley, with a minimum spend of £20. Deliveries are available between 12 noon and 8.00pm, again by calling 01332 780480 ext 224.
To book onto the Tower Course, call 01332 782004. To book onto the Manor Course, call 01332 782000.
To book a hotel room, email hotel@morleyhayes.com or phone 01332 780480 (ext 3).