Restaurants turn into ghost towns as booking cancellations pile up

Self-imposed lockdowns are leaving the hospitality industry struggling. Photo: Getty

Chairs stacked on tables, curtains drawn and a giant ‘takeaway only’ scribbled across the chalkboard that would usually announce the night’s delicious specials.

No, it’s not closing time – it’s only 7pm. But the restaurateur running the place on his own does worry his days in business are numbered.