HOLIDAY Inn Express has unveiled a new terrace area at its Barrow branch.

The terrace will only be used by guests until May 17.

After then, the general public will be allowed to enter the terrace where they can eat and drink.

Martin Winter, manager at Holiday Inn Barrow, says the terrace will offer a much-needed alternative for guests.

He said: “The reason why we’re doing is because a lot of our guests have kind of been stuck in their bedrooms for such a long period of time with the bar and restaurant closed.

“They have just had room service because of the restrictions, so if you have been staying in the hotel you literally check in, order your food and eat it in your room. Now we’re saying to guests they can now sit outside as opposed to staying in their bedrooms.”

The terrace has been filled with artificial grass, tables, chairs and plants.

Mr Winter said the Covid-19 pandemic had “accelerated” their plans for the new terrace.

He said: “We had 10,000 guests at the hotel over July and August – on the back of a huge staycation last year.

“The idea was to look at how we operated last summer and enhance the experience this summer, so there was always a plan to incorporate a terrace, but we have accelerated it earlier due to the restrictions.

“I think it will be popular when it’s fully opened. Weather permitting of course, but when the weather has been decent, you get that nice sun on the terrace during the evening, so it’s great for people finishing work who may want a beer or some food.”