Axminster businesses have been sharing their reactions and thanking customers for support following the news that England will go into a second lockdown on Thursday.

The lockdown will come into force at midnight on Wednesday and will see pubs, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers and all non-essential shops closed.

Many businesses will be opening extra hours up until Wednesday or are offering special deals to get rid of stock.

The George Hotel - one of Axminster's most prominent businesses - thanking customers for their support in recent months, adding: "We look forward to seeing you all in December."

The hotel and restaurant is currently offering a 'drink us dry sale' with Otter, Doombar and Coors Light all available for just £1.95 a pint.

The Axminster Inn, owned by Palmers Brewery, said its opening hours will remain the same up until the closure but its quiz night scheduled for Wednesday evening is now cancelled.

On Facebook, landlords Karen and Gary Needs commented: "Bit of stock to get through but with all you lovely people I'm sure we may manage that, from the bottom of our rather deflated hearts and the amazing support of Palmers, we shall be back I'm sure to celebrate Christmas."

They asked for customers to support them while the could, adding: "Play safe, be sensible and treat everyone with respect."

Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's River Cottage - one of Axminster's biggest visitor draws - will be closing its town centre restaurant as well as its headquarters at Park Farm at Trinity Hill.

A statement on the River Cottage Facebook page said: "Here we go again. Following the government's announcement that another lockdown looms, we have been digesting the sad fact that this means River Cottage is forced to close its doors and farm gates once more.

"Since we heard, we have been busy rearranging all the events that will not be going ahead this month to ensure our guests will still get to visit. If you are booked to visit River Cottage this month, please be reassured that if you have not yet heard from us, you will do very soon. We are contacting all of our guests via email as fast as possible, but as I'm sure you can imagine it is taking a little while to work through everyone so we thank you in advance for your patience.

"And in further positive news, we are also going to be offering a takeaway service from Axminster Kitchen five nights a week as well as coffee and lunchtime snacks, so if you're local please keep your eyes peeled for more info.

"Thank you for your patience in these tricky times, and we hope you and your loved ones remain safe and well."

Ric's Kitchen in Victoria Place only opened in August following the first lockdown. Today, they have been asking customers if they would be interested in a takeaway service during November.

On Facebook, the restaurant posted: "Although we did see this potentially coming, we didn't know when, and it's been a shock to the system happening so quickly. We have been hard at work today debating takeaway options, if we do it or we don't. Would you want to see a takeaway service from Ric's Kitchen?"

New burger restaurant The Cow & The Bean, which only opened last Wednesday, has announced it will be offering a takeaway service during lockdown, open 5pm to 9pm Wednesdays to Sundays - call 01297 792782 to book.

Another of Axminster's recently-opened businesses, The Crafty Hobbit in Trinity House, said it will be extending its hours this week, opening from 9.30am to 7pm today (Monday), Tuesday and Wednesday so customers can get some Christmas shopping done and stock up on craft products for lockdown. The shop will also be running a click and collect service during lockdown.

Owner Sarah Webb said: "It's heartbreaking news after all our and our lovely crafters efforts to make The Crafty Hobbit the success that it already has been.

"All printed orders are either already in the shop or will be fulfilled by Wednesday at the latest. Printing from home will of course continue."

No statement has yet been released from the popular Community Waffle House, which was due to open its new premises on the first floor of the revamped Trinity House this month.

Axminster Printing have said their shop will remain open as usual up until Wednesday, with Christmas cards available for £2.75 each or four for £9. After this they will then be running a click and collect service or free local delivery, with full details to be announced.

Devon Appliances in Axminster will close its door on Wednesday evening and the phone will be diverted to the Seaton branch. Devon Appliances in Seaton will continue to function normally except the door will be closed. Orders can still be placed via the website www.devonapplinaces.co.uk or by calling 01297 23661 or 01297 302477.

PB Home Solutions will be continuing kitchen and bathroom installations as it is classed as construction. The showroom will be closed for appointments only and anyone wishing to discuss work should call 01297 22559 or email [email protected].

The lockdown will also hit Axminster's hair and beauty salons, with staff working flat out this week to fit in as many clients as possible before closing.

Reflections Hair & Beauty issued the following statement: "We have an incredible team who are pulling together to try and fit as many of you in as possible in the short time we have before closing. Please bear with us and we will do our very best to keep everyone informed. Keep positive, stay safe and remember to take care of yourselves."

Bolts Hair & Body have thanked their clients for their support this year and have advised booking December appointments in advance.

Food shops have been deemed essential and will remain open during lockdown.

Millers Farm Shop in Kilmington issued the following statement: "We would like to reassure our customers that we will be remaining open during lockdown as we have been during the pandemic, providing an essential service to the community.

"We will do our best to keep stock levels high and bulk buying will not be allowed. Unfortunately we will not be offering a delivery or collection service, enabling us to focus all of our efforts into keeping the shop stocked and customers happy.

"The Teapot Café will be closed on Thursday, November 5 until further notice. Exciting things on the horizon for when it reopens.

"Thank you again for all of your support during these uncertain times and a huge thank you to our whole team who are constantly working hard to provide a service which we are proud of."

If you would like to update us on how your local business will be operating in the run-up to and during lockdown, please email Francesca Evans on [email protected] or call 07810 221 420.

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