NEXT LEVEL Good to be back, say cafes

Blenheim is almost bustling again as cafes and stores launch into contactless trading for alert level three, with some slight tweaks such as phone orders and walkie-talkie customer service.

The foot traffic was not quite back to its regular levels yesterday, but the first day of limited trading drew many people out of lockdown for a coffee.

Thomas & Sons’ Cafe worker Katie Ball said she was surprised how many people were out and about, compared with how empty central Blenheim had been over the past month.

‘‘I don’t really know how to describe it. It’s been busy for us . . . A lot of our regulars have been in, but not as many as usual. And people have been great at social distancing,’’ Ball said.

Cafe staff were taking orders by text message, and people arriving in person to order or pick up could speak with staff from outside via a walkie-talkie, Ball said.

‘‘Sometimes people get confused about the walkie-talkie but I’m sure they’ll get the hang of it.’’

Ritual Cafe owner Julie Mcdonald said her team was busier than she had predicted.

‘‘We had a lot of people that had pre-ordered and paid beforehand. It was really pleasing.’’

She said after spending five weeks in her bubble, it was nice to see some different faces.

‘‘It was honestly just so good to be back. I think because it was such a nice day, everyone was in good spirits.’’

Several pubs and restaurants were offering takeaways and contactless delivery options.

Blenheim’s drive-through operators were back up and running, with the Mcdonald’s drivethrough reportedly experiencing an hour-long wait at lunchtime.

Pita Pit Blenheim franchisee Heather Bowers said the business was lucky to have the existing app, so people could order and pay without even needing an eftpos machine.