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Original poster

Is going out the new ‘ joyless fuck’?

114 replies

Dowser · 26/09/2020 20:45

Been in all day so about 5-30 pm we had a drive to a picturesque N Yorks market town,
Thinking we might find somewhere not too busy for a quiet drink.
We eventually found somewhere that although busy -ish had a table . It had been an old coaching inn and nice inside but omg was like a drs waiting room.
We literally felt we’d walked into someone’s parlour . It was so quiet with about 3-4 tables occupied and no one was saying a word.

We ordered drinks and every few minutes could hear the greeter trilling away, wear your masks until you get to your table and then you can take them off.
This was, literally every few minutes as people were herded about and all seems so pointless.

We drank our over priced drinks and got out of there as fast as possible.

If that’s what the new going out is going to be like, we won’t be bothering.
I’d rather watch paint dry.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dowser · 26/09/2020 22:56

Thanks for all your replies, which in the main agreed with what I said.
I felt really on a downer when I got back home because I felt sad this was the new normal.
I’m sure there are little joyful bistros, cafes, restaurants and bars and once we find them we will frequent them..yes even if we have to book , which will probably be better in hindsight but if things don’t change for the better now the weather is changing for the worse
They will not survive.
People are not going to be tempted from their Cosy homeS to have a joyless and in some cases expensive experience.

OP posts:
CountessFrog · 26/09/2020 22:57

Well, it’ll be the death of their businesses. The managers need to rethink.

loobylou1967 · 26/09/2020 23:25

@CountessFrog. Well, it’ll be the death of their businesses. The managers need to rethink.

You're absolutely right about one thing - these new regulations may well be the death of our business. Takings were down by two-thirds Thursday and Friday and down by half tonight. Probably not even covered staff wages. But we have to abide by the rules and enforce them rigidly or risk getting closed down and a hefty fine. None of us chose this, we're just trying our best to keep our staff and customers safe and to keep our heads above water.

ThighthighOfthigh · 26/09/2020 23:30

I think I got out of the habit during lockdown. Normally I go out for a very casual lunch, panini and coffee, about once a week.

I've done it a couple of times since opening up but I've got used to a flask and home made sandwiches out now. Plus I'm skint Grin

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 27/09/2020 00:04

Agree. I used to meet friends for lunch most weekends, DP and I used to go out together often, and I also liked going by myself for coffee/cake. I find it too stressful now, plus I regularly cough due to chronic sinus problems, and am always really scared I will cough in public.

We are making an effort with nice meals at home, trying new recipes, plus things like the M&S Indian/Chinese fake-away meal boxes.

CountessFrog · 27/09/2020 00:15

I get that louby lou.

But honestly - the horrible attitudes. I was on holiday for two weeks in the southwest and i was sick to death of being made to feel like a bloody criminal.

Same at home, in shops, pubs. The shitty attitudes to customers are shocking. There’s no incentive to return when you’re made to feel like they’d rather you didn’t come in at all.

MuffinHead · 27/09/2020 02:15

I partly agree with this. I'm a waitress at a pub/restaurant and it hasn't been the nicest. I agree that the atmosphere can be absolutely shocking at times, and I'm sure staff can come across rude but there is a lot of pressure to get it right. Before the guest has even sat down at their table we have to explain a ridiculous amount of things to them, it's very stiff but we have too. So straight away there's little room to be friendly and personal with the customer.
At the same time, the first guest I served today consisted of them shouting down the phone at me for not doing a table of over 6, to then being told our business is going to fail...

PottedIvy · 27/09/2020 03:05

I'm not a pub person but I'm not tempted to shop under current conditions. Was out a few weeks ago and had to queue to enter a bookshop. It was raining so gave up, would normallly enjoy mooching round the shops, going for tea and cake but with all the restrictions, things you touch having to be quarantined it isn't enjoyable. I don't disagree with the rules but until this is over I'll shop online and enjoy the great outdoors!

PottedIvy · 27/09/2020 03:10

A staff member in morrisons was very rude to me today as she said I came too close to her when I was nowhere near her and she was behind a panel and I had a mask on. I get that it must be stressful for them and she was older and overweight so perhaps vulnerable but its still no excuse to be rude. I won't be hurrying back to that shop anyway. Thank god I have a regularly delivery slot for another supermarket!

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 27/09/2020 03:47

@thenightsky has bakehouse moved ? It used to be in greenodd.........I was a frequent visitor as ds likes the walk over the bridge to the woods. Was thinking of heading over at some point for a donut. 🐷🐽

HollyBollyBooBoo · 27/09/2020 03:56

Depends where you go and who you're with. I had a gorgeous 3 hour lunch with 4 mates today, we haven't seen each other in person since January and honestly it was like nourishment for my soul, badly needed it.

DeeCeeCherry · 27/09/2020 04:02

Depends where you go and what you're into. I went out with DPlast night had a great time. DJ in pub garden, everyone enjoying the music, having a drink, got up and danced. Lots of people but everyone social distanced in their own groups. Best time I've had in ages. There are some nice quiet venues around too, ate out with mates last week it was nice to chat and catch up. I like going out and won't stop. I haven't come across shitty attitudes and don't go to joyless places anyway.

Graciebobcat · 27/09/2020 04:03

Exactly, I feel sorry for the abuse some people get from members of the public, but a lot of shop workers are in dire need of basic training in how to address other people politely and basic customer service.

borntobequiet · 27/09/2020 06:03

I’ve eaten out at local pubs/bars two or three times and it’s been fine.

Footle · 27/09/2020 06:09

@thenightsky , thanks for that - I'll be going to the Bake House!

Ozgirl75 · 27/09/2020 06:15

I do feel for restaurants a pubs. We have had very few cases here in New South Wales but almost all (if not all) the cases we have had have either been in hospitals/care homes and then restaurants and bars. A few in schools (not many and only two clusters I can think of) and probably more dotted around. But we have had big break outs coming from bars and restaurants so there is a clear link between these places and the higher risk.

But as far as I know, no clusters have ever come from a hairdresser (and ours never closed even in lockdown), beautician, supermarket or from shopping - and none from going for a walk outside!

Footle · 27/09/2020 06:18

@thenightsky , but it's Greenodd, not Ulverston, as pp says

ThisAintNoPartyThisAintNoDisco · 27/09/2020 06:26

I agree. So much of life feels sterile and joyless now😢 I feel so sorry for the staff too. They’ve clearly been told they have to say and do all that and must be worried for their jobs also.

We went to a pub / restaurant on Friday for dds birthday lunch. It was the same. However our waitress who now probably has 10x as much running about to do ie filling salad bowls which used to be self service etc was so lovely with us. She was so cheery and helpful.

So sad that it’s come to this though. Nothing feels like it will ever be spontaneous again

Tomatoesneedtoripen · 27/09/2020 06:43

surely it depends who you are with?

Tomatoesneedtoripen · 27/09/2020 06:45

i agree it is a bit of weird experience, frightening times.

we sat outside after our lunch, it was quite laid back there

Waxonwaxoff0 · 27/09/2020 06:48

I'm still enjoying going out. It's certainly a different experience but I'm liking the table service, not having to queue for ages to get a drink, less crowds.

Figgygal · 27/09/2020 06:51

I feel more sorry for the staff in hospitality who are regularly abused and sworn at because I’m of these new rules

Also feel sorry for those with dire financial situations and can’t feed their children let alone think about going out to eat

It’s a bloody inconvenience yes but don’t be put off by a bad experience these places need people’s business at the moment and it’s hardly their fault they’re stressed (and probably terrified of catching Covid being around people for hours on end)

Cheesypea · 27/09/2020 06:58

It's not worth going out for a coffee if you need to download an app and potentially self isolate into the bargain.

Frownette · 27/09/2020 07:01

I went to a pub on 7th sept and didn't know what to expect, it was relatively normal then, no masks and you could just chatter to the barman.

I thought about going to a cafe yesterday and swivelled round on my foot towards home and decided that was a bad idea. It's confusing when they keep swapping around the guidelines.

SnuggyBuggy · 27/09/2020 07:05

I'm just sticking with outdoor stuff now, parks, walks, takeaway, outdoor markets. Dreading the rainy weather though.