Burnham Market proving popular as a destination during coronavirus outbreak

Burnham Market is being sought out as much as ever as a place to be in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Owners of second homes in village appear to be making moves to live there themselves and holiday-makers who would have jetted off to other places are making bookings, according a local restaurant manager.

Rachael Parke, who is front of house manager for restaurant and bar No.Twenty9 said holiday companies had told her that bookings were being blocked by owners so that they could spend time at the properties themselves.

She said: "The situation here is exactly the same as has been reported in Southwold where people who live in places such as London have decided to spend time at their second homes near the coast.

"Bookings are also being made by people who were supposed to go away to places such as Tenerife.

"Businesses are still open at Burnham at the moment and there is an amount of footfall. We have lost some bookings, but have been taking new ones at the same rate."

Next door No.Thirty3 The Bakery opened on Wednesday ahead of the planned date of March 30 and stocks have been selling rapidly as people want to get fresh bread and other items. It is another business run by No.Twenty9's owner Tim Roberts.

A new delivery service has been launched to provide residents with fresh fruit and vegetables, said Rachael.

"We have spoken to our suppliers who have got stock and we are creating grocery boxes. They will have items such as fruit, vegetables, ham and cheese and can be made up to provide fresh produce for a week. We are purchasing from the suppliers and putting on an admin charge just to cover overheads.

"If people are self-isolating we can deliver to the doorstep or we can make an alternative arrangement and take to a car at an agreed time. We would do free deliveries in Burnham, but beyond that we would have to calculate a cost price for fuel.

"We are hoping other pubs and restaurants in the area would follow suit and support the community by providing fresh produce. It also means that we are keeping jobs for our own staff, too."

The delivery service is due to go into operation from tomorrow, Friday, March 20. People can get in touch via social media, the website or by calling the business on 01328 738498. A leaflet drop with contact details will be made in the next few days.