Foodie thoughts

WA I T E D O N F O R F I R S T TIME I N 1 1 5 DAY S

So how was it for you on July 4? Did you cautiously go to the pub or fall into your favourite cafe and order the largest Americano and slice of cake they had?

Some of my chums were on the phone, scoring a seat at the restaurant they’ve missed most since March. Others tightened down even further, unsure of the new guidelines and mistrustful of crowds not observing social distancing.

I was somewhere in the middle. Not quite ready to book a restaurant table, flirting with the idea of sitting outside a pub – but really wanting to support the folk who have been making changes to their premises and working protocols to welcome us all back safely.

I spoke to Sarah Horsley, who runs True North Restaurant at Dean Clough in Halifax. “Before reopening we did feel anxious,” she said. “We had faith we’d done everything we could to put the appropriate measures in place, but it’s hard to gauge how everyone’s feeling about going to a restaurant at the moment.

“The whole team worked very hard to ensure we’d open with the best experience for our customers as we all get used to the new normal – and we were full.

“We’re certainly glad to be back. We take bookings on a reservation only basis so we can keep a close eye on numbers and we’re looking to the future with confidence. Dining out is going to be different of course, but we’re very lucky to be part of such a supportive community in Halifax.”

At Craigs by the Sea in Marske, Chris Laing has a decent outside space in front of his bakery and kitchen, and that’s where we sat on Saturday.

“We’ve been using the time to tweak our menu, make plans and grow,” said Chris, and we certainly rejoiced in fine food being brought to the table for the first time in 115 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes. Not that I’ve been counting.