HERE’S TO A NORMAL(ISH) LIFE!
LONG queues formed outside pubs with punters patiently waiting for their first pint in months.
Several pubs saw queues of up to 100 people outside with some saying they had been waiting for more than three hours to enjoy a drink in yesterday’s afternoon sunshine.
The latest stage of the easing of the national lockdown saw pubs, cafes’ and restaurants in Greater Manchester able to open for the first time since last October, as long as customers are seated outside.
And many people have not waited around to go out and enjoy a drink.
At popular student haunt The Friendship on Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield, more than 100 people were said to be waiting in line for a drink in the pub’s beer garden, which has around 20 tables.
Mia and Anya, second-year students in Manchester, were among those waiting in line.
They said they were happy and couldn’t wait for their first drink.
“It’s not been a great year,” they said. “We had a period in August where we could do stuff but that was the last time really. There wasn’t much to do.
“We’ve been quite safe not seeing many people so it’s been isolating.
“We live with a nurse and a care worker so we’ve been safe.”
Queues were also reported at a number of other popular establishments, including in the city centre.
People had been waiting outside The Courtyard, on Chester Street off Oxford
Road, since 10am, one punter said on social media sharing a picture of a queue stretch down the street.
Those at the front of the estimated 80-strong queue said they arrived around 10:30am but had still not yet been able to get a table.
Lorcan, Luke, Ethan, Cameron and Lauri said they hoped to get inside soon and that their plan for the rest of the day was to get ‘really hammered, hopefully.’
Smaller queues were visible at other venues in Manchester city centre, such as at street Hatch. However, these were said to be moving quickly.
City centre pub The Lions Den was welcoming back some of its regulars, including friends Joshua Jackson Barker, 25, William Henstock, 25, Alexander Branningan, 24 and Connor Joyce, 24.
It was the first time in months they’ve been able to socialise together and they dressed up for the occasion in umbrella hats – sensible attire for Manchester’s usually drizzly conditions.
Joshua said: “We all booked Monday and Tuesday off work so we can be here – we’re planning to be out here for the next six hours. It’s the first chance for us to be together in months.”
Tracey Walsh, who has owned New York New York on Bloom Street for over 30 years, said she was excited to be able to reopen.
“I think it’s been quite overwhelming for staff because they’ve not worked for a long time but it’s so good to be back,” she said. “As much as people think it might not be financially viable, we have to put ourselves out there.
“It’s been a great turn out so far, we’re working on a first come, first serve basis so as soon as we’re full then that’s it.” Landlords of the Red Rose in Newall Green, Wythenshawe, Carl and Maggie spent thousands of pounds creating an incredible beer garden at the front of the pub so that locals could enjoy a pint from yesterday. “We’re excited, it’s about time,” Maggie said. “We’ve built a whole new beer garden which has been very expensive but it’s lovely to see our regulars back.”
One of the Red Rose’s customer set her alarm for 7am, she was so excited to get back to her local.
Lesley Phethean said: “It’s like Christmas come early,” as she gleefully sipped her pint of Fosters.
The reopening day has fallen during half term - great news for teachers Abi and Aimee, who were catching up with friend Alex outside the Woodstock in Didsbury.
“I can’t think of enough adjectives to describe how good this drink feels,” Abi said.
The mood across the region was jubilant, as life slowly starts to resemble something we’re all more familiar with.
It was a very happy Monday indeed.
We’re planning to be out here for the next six hours
Joshua Jackson Barker