Big outdoor bar opening at the University of York – as leader criticises ‘disrespectful’ reopening plans

A large outdoor bar is being created at the University of York ready for the return of students next month.

The Lakeside Tap is a tented bar at the heart of the Heslington campus, being built by the students’ union (YUSU), and opening tomorrow (Monday).

“The Lakeside Tap will boast panoramic views of the lake, a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and viewings of televised sporting and entertainment events for all students at York,” said organisers.

York Sport Union president Maddi Cannell said: “I think it is fantastic we are opening another outdoor venue on campus to give everyone more opportunities to socialise in a Covid-secure space.”

Another outside food and drink area, The Forest, returns to the campus after proving popular in the first term.

The Forest features street food vans and drinks via table service. Students have to book in advance.

Late for planning

The government announced last week that all students could return to university from 17 May.

Creative and practical students started returning from the 8 March, with an estimated 49 per cent of students already eligible to return to in-person teaching.

The missing half will be back from next month.

But the lateness of the decision has dismayed and infuriated Professor Charlie Jeffery, the vice chancellor of the university.

“Frankly, this is very late for us to do our planning, which makes it extraordinarily difficult for our students to know where to be, what they’re going to be doing.” he told BBC radio news.

“I find it actually rather disrespectful that students don’t have the certainty that other sectors of the economy have – for example, tattoo parlours do.”

On their return, all students and staff will be encouraged to take three supervised lateral flow Covid tests a few days apart.

After this, students will also have access to home testing kits throughout the summer term.