So who's going to the pub/ restaurants?

[Redwinestillfine]

Anyone? Obviously it's good to support local business, but long-term the point of going is for atmosphere and to socialise. Neither are really going to be possible under social distancing guidelines. I think the new normal will be going around to mates houses. No-one I know is planning on going out anytime soon. Maybe if we get good weather and there's a decent beer garden....what does everyone else think?

Nope - not going. Would rather sit in a park and have a drink with my friends in the fresh air. Don't want to be near pished up twats in a stuffy pub at the best of times, let alone when there is a virus out there.
That said, if I was a fit 20 year old with no dependents I would probably go for it.

I don't think I could be bothered with all the faff of having to register my details and book a slot for having a drink! Would much rather my kids were allowed to go to school, playgrounds and their sports clubs, but it seems like they really are at the bottom of the pile in Tory Britain.

You literally sit there with someone you live with or maybe another friend and drink

That's what most people do in the pub anyway, isn't it? I don't think you're restricted to going with only one other person, not that I've checked.

I just got back from a cafe and it was nice. Tables were spaced out and it was medium busy (both normal for that venue). Most people were there alone or with one friend and there was no giving contact details or anything. It was bloody lovely drinking coffee out of a mug instead of a paper cup!

I don't go to the pub much anyway these days, but I walked past a couple on my way home and they looked quite normal too - reasonably full but with everyone sat at tables rather than standing. Didn't look like anyone was about to start a riot or anything.

@Wynona

Have a look here, it may explain a bit why it's important to be able to trace contacts

www.google.com/amp/s/www.mercurynews.com/2020/04/27/coronavirus-q-a-part-4-is-air-conditioning-a-risk-elevators-poop/amp/

Friday night - all booked for dinner with spouse!

So we went to the local pub for dinner on Saturday. It was an impromptu thing - friends of ours were intending to go with their son and his girlfriend but they couldn't make it so we stepped in.

There were 3 other tables in the room we were in (previously has accommodated 5 tables) and nobody drinking at the bar (those drinking only could use the pub garden). It all felt super safe. Salt and pepper pots had been removed from the table and replaced with salt and pepper sachets; little things like that.

It all felt pretty 'normal' other than quieter than a usual Saturday night at that pub. I'd happily go again

It all felt pretty 'normal' other than quieter than a usual Saturday night at that pub. I'd happily go again

Yes, I had the same experience, it was lovely to be out!

Should add, we also went out yesterday for DJ's birthday to an upscale Indian restaurant. We had an early table (6pm) so I don't know what it was like later, but the other diners who arrived whilst we were there were seated at well spaced intervals in the restaurant, and again, it felt fine

DJ? , I meant dh

It was lovely to be put user

Two of the diners last night were two elderly ladies who looked to be 70's / 80's. They had either assessed the risk and concluded that with one new case of covid per 100,000 per week in our county that they weren't playing Russian roulette with death, or they have decided to live life and not lock themselves away in perpetuity. Fair play to them

'out' not 'put' arghhh!

We went out for a couple of drinks to one of our locals yesterday afternoon. All very civilised and well organised. Was good to be out.

I am not keen but would consider sitting outside a venue to eat a meal. I got anxious the other day when we went in the supermarket and it was busy even though we had queued etc to get in. Far more people in there than I was comfortable with.

We went to the pub for a drink with the kids on Saturday. It was nice. Table service, well organised, precautions in place. There was no drunken bad behaviour going on, just people enjoying socialising a bit.

DH caved and popped into his local, a tiny place. Apparently people were trying to social distance around tables but were going to the bar to get drinks he left when it got a bit too packed for his liking so didn't really fill me with confidence. I'm sure the majority of pubs are doing it properly though....

Me and DH are going on Friday lunchtime

The tiny places are going to struggle. I've been to a pub and restaurant this weekend, both were fine and following the rules. Can't wait to go back!

We are away on holiday and were a bit concerned about the local pubs welcoming outsiders.
So far we have visited two pubs and couldn't have had a warmer welcome. Both places were well laid out and not busy so felt perfectly safe (if they'd been in any way crowded we wouldn't have attempted to go in.