Berkshire: Restaurant secures lifeline from Barclays CBIL scheme

A Windsor-based family business, GOGOS Waterfront Restaurant, has secured funding from Barclays through the Government backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) keeping the eatery afloat during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Established in 2007 by husband and wife team Greg and Gail Orlandini, the Southern African inspired restaurant, which employs 25 staff, has been located at the Windsor Racecourse Marina next to Windsor Racecourse for the past seven years. It has been closed to customers, like many other businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector, since the end of March due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The funding will enable the business to pay their staff, as well as help the restaurant and its renowned cocktail bar be ready to re-open once the current lockdown is lifted.

Greg Orlandini, managing director at GOGOs Waterfront Restaurant, said: “When coronavirus hit, it hit hard and fast. The CBILS funding has meant we don’t have to close our doors permanently and, when the time is right, we can hit the ground running and re-open again. The support and experience received from Barclays and our business relationship manager, has been one of a true banking partnership. Having that personal contact and someone helping us each step of the way has been wonderful.”

Mandeep Bibra, Barclays relationship manager, put together the funding package for the deal and said: “It's been very rewarding working with the owners of GOGO’s to help them sustain their business through the current crisis. The CBILS funding will help them during this difficult time and enable them to continue growing the business. We’re delighted to be able to support a valued customer through these challenging times and give the reassurance that we are here for them.”