Table bookings only, A19 Strawberry Fields Cafe says

Images on social media showed groups of customers gathering at Strawberry Fields Cafe, found on the A19 at Crockey Hill, for the first Bike Night of 2021.

The cafe's Jamie Innes said the turn out was related to the warm weather and the event being widely shared across the biking community's social media pages, leading to a higher number of visitors.

The City of York Council said it was made aware of the "issue" on Monday and is now working with the cafe to help limit groups.

In just under a week, the cafe has arranged for a Covid-19 safety certificate from Athena HR and firmed up measures seen in other hospitality venues.

After signing into track and trace, customers can expect table service only with groups of up to six people allowed at one time.

"We're doing everything we're supposed to be doing," Mr Innes said.

"It's a biker cafe and the bikers all passed it on through biker gang pages. We've posted on all the biker pages it's table service only."

Anthony Dean, Acting Public Protection Manager (Investigations and Compliance), told the Press: “We were made aware of this issue on Monday. We are currently in discussion with the owner of the business to help ensure large numbers of people do not gather at the premises over and above what can be safely accommodated.

“If members of the public have concerns about businesses we would encourage them to contact public protection by emailing public.protection@york.gov.uk or phoning 01904 551525.”

Mr Innes thanked all the customers who have supported the cafe after a difficult year for businesses.

"It's fantastic because we've been shut for three and a half months," he said.

"It's nice to have a bit of support.

"Everything's safe. We're a very popular cafe so we're really pleased with our customers coming back."

The cafe has asked people to book a table where possible for Bike Nights in the hopes of limiting any overcrowding.