Vesper Dayclub, Philadelphia Pool, Swim Club, Outdoor Dining

Glu Hospitality announces the season grand opening of Vesper Dayclub starting this Friday, July 3rd in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend. Philadelphia's only 21 and up swimming pool and outdoor dining oasis will offer local residents the opportunity to enjoy swimming, outdoor sips and poolside eats without having to leave the city boundaries. For those adults not opting to go to the shore and who are staying close to home, this will bring a brand new option in the city that joins legal cocktails to go and expanded outdoor dining in the city. The 30,000 gallon heated saltwater pool and all of its amenities are located in the heart of Northern Liberties at 1031 Germantown Avenue. Along with Vesper Dayclub, guests and the public are invited to also dine at Philadelphia's lush secret outdoor garden and cafe with Germantown Garden. Germantown Garden this week doubles their menu for the summer and has added additional outdoor and sidewalk seating due to high demand.

For the upcoming season, Vesper pool and amenities have been deep cleaned at the start of the season, with regular deep cleanings schedule during the summer. New protocols include temperature checks upon entry, a new social distanced floor and table layout, closure of the bars, addition of hand sanitizing stations, a new reservation-only system for dining, and other safety protocols to meet and exceed local and state health recommendations. Masks must be worn to get in the front door upon entry and when guests are moving around or go to the bathroom. Anytime guests are at their own private table they can remove masks to eat and drink. All guests must agree to a temperature check at the front door.

Individual table reservations and ordering at the bars is not allowed per city and state recommendations. Instead, all guests must order through their server. Servers will offer food and drink to all guests in all areas of the pool that include adjacent day beds, private bungalow seating areas, loungers and outdoor tables.

There will be no public club-style parties and no nighttime entertainment. Later in the season, if appropriate there may be background-only music added - but there are no immediate plans of this to start.

Seating will be limited to only 20% occupancy. This is something the owners felt strongly about even though they could do up to 50%. Owners of Vesper felt very strongly about putting safety first.

Reservations to use the pool and dining options are a must for 202. Any paid and current member can make a reservation. Season pass memberships are $35 and includes free weekday entry with your reservations, discounted cover on the weekend, ability to bring guests for a discounted price, 10% off your food bill at Germantown Garden, lowered minimum spends for the bungalows and poolside booths, and other perks. Season pass members pay a $10 cover charge on weekends. Guests with members are $10 per weekdays and $20 per weekend days.

Daybeds, loungers and bungalows are available for reservations, with pricing varying based on reservations and occupancy. Pricing also is different on weekdays, weekends and holidays. Pricing and reservation inquires are available on the website.

Due to the layout of the daybeds, bungalows and loungers, the new layout leaves ample room for social distancing, with the bungalows having full floor to ceiling walls in between each individual space.

"Vesper Dayclub returns for the summer of 2020 with a great, relaxed option for those looking to safely swim and enjoy the sunny days ahead," said co-owner Derek Gibbons, of Glu Hospitality. "We have spent a lot of time and attention upgrading and adding safety/ health protocols to ensure the health and well being of our staff and our guests. We are focused on offering a laid back and lower key vibe for this year. We are opting for less of a day club party vibe and more of a safe, relaxing and low-key swimming and dining experience. During this global pandemic, Vesper Dayclub is a unique opportunity for those that love the water but are staying local and keeping away from the crowds at the shore. We are a great option for those looking to make the most of their summer in the city."

For food, Chef Chino Chang will be serving up a full menu of casual bar favorites and light snacks, including a selection of flatbreads (from Vesper's pizza oven), chicken tenders, guacamole and chips, fruit bowls, parfaits, sliders, hot dogs, hamburgers, and other summer favorites. Look for specials as the summer progresses. For drinks, look for cold beer, frozen and non-frozen summer cocktails, standard bar spirits, cider, adult hard seltzers and more.

Next door, Germantown Garden is also now open for summer of 2020 with a beautiful, lush and hidden garden setting that offers safe and socially distanced dining with shade from the trees overhead. This entirely outdoor restaurant has been at capacity since summer started due to a city-wide focus on outdoor dining in response to the global pandemic. As of this week, Germantown Garden added extra hours, new daytime brunch hours (with brunch menu to follow), added more sidewalk seating and also nearly double the menu of options. Diners can now enjoy seafood entrees for a taste of the shore, burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and small bites, plus options from Glu Hospitality's Hunnies Crispy Chicken. Starting next week, look for even more food options at Germantown Garden as Glu Hospitality will announce a brand new food concept that will run out of the Vesper and Germantown Garden kitchens. For cocktails, look for pitchers and glasses of summertime favorites, plus cocktails designed specially for the location by the famous Hop Sing of Hop Sing Laundromat.