Helmsley firms offering a variety of services during a difficult period for customers

Cafes, restaurants and shops are doing what they can to help customers during the coronvirus pandemic – whether it’s offering deliveries or making their food available for take away. Keeping customers and staff safe is the number one priority for all.

An example of the ways businesses are helping includes Hunters of Helmsley. The deli is stocking up on store cupboard ingredients as well as the usual deli items and should any customers need to self isolate in the coming weeks they are happy to deliver provisions to their doorstep. This can be arranged by calling them on 01439 771307/771806 or emailing [email protected].

Francois Strydom, owner of restaurant La Trattoria, said: “In these uncertain times, we’d like to thank our customers for their support. “We appreciate that not everyone can get out at the moment, so we are offering a free delivery within Helmsley and (for a small fee) the surrounding area.”

Orders to La Trattori can be made by calling 01439 771044.

The team at Helmsley’s Costcutter has been exploring options to support the over 70s and at risk groups during this difficult period. Commencing Tuesday, March 24, the shop will trial having an hour from 8:30am to 9:30am Tuesday to Saturday for over 70s and at risk groups shopping only.

The early time will enable staff to sanitise key contact points in the store beforehand and they would request that shoppers perform their own hand washing prior and post shop, maintain distance between one another, and minimise any contact with people where possible.

Ideally they will also be encouraging contactless payments, but understand that not everyone has this facility, so cash payments can be made.

The team want to assure customers that the Post Office and food store will be open to them during this period, for their usual banking, PO services and food shopping.

Auntie Anne’s Bakery is open for baked goods, as well as other items such as fresh bread and milk. If you are self isolating they are happy to deliver free locally with a minimum spend of £10. Call 01439 770304.

Other businesses offering free or reduced price delivery including Duncombe Sawmill, Saltbox Gallery and Libby Butler Jewellers. Cafes such as Porters and Crema are reminding customers all their food and drinks can be provided as a takeaway.

Helmsley Traditional Sweetshop is working hard to get a website up and running as soon as possible, which will allow people to order sweets online. There is currently a holding page to sign up for more information and a discount voucher when it goes live (www.helmsleysweets.co.uk).

In the meantime, the company is taking orders via Facebook and twitter and will organise local deliveries for people who are isolating.

Lynn Hempsall, owner of Helmsley Traditional Sweet Shop, said: “There are lots of wonderful foodie businesses in town, but we also have dozens of fantastic independent shops covering everything you could possibly need. People may still need to buy gifts and homewares and will want things to do for entertainment – so even if you can’t or would prefer not to leave the house, it’s worth giving a business a call to see what can be arranged.”