FEELING THE LOVE
HUGGING, PINTS AND TRIPS TO THE CINEMA – LIFE IN BRISTOL IS GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
PEOPLE could hug again, meet up in the pub, and maybe even enjoy a trip to the cinema as Bristol enjoyed the latest big step back towards freedom.
With changes to the Government advice on social contact, people can now choose whether or not to hug loved ones – albeit cautiously – and there was plenty of emotional embracing going on around Bristol yesterday.
Bristol’s pubs, bars and restaurants started welcoming customers indoors again as the lockdown measures eased across England.
People can now meet indoors in groups of six or with one other household, while outside social gatherings of up to 30 people are permitted.
Other indoor hospitality venues such as cinemas, museums and soft play areas were also resuming trading, while a ban on holidays has been partially lifted.
All remaining accommodation including B&Bs and hostels can also open up to the public under Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown.
Enjoying a lunchtime pint of Guinness at the Stag & Hounds in Old Market, 68-year-old Bob Anderson said: “It’s really nice to be back at the pub.
“We came here a few times and sat outside after April 12 but it was a bit nippy when the weather wasn’t that nice.
“Sometimes we thought it was a warm sunny day so we headed to the pub, but then the cloud cover came and the wind howled past.
“It’s nice to be comfortable and warm again.”
Owen Shanks, landlord at the Stag & Hounds, said: “The job satisfaction for us comes from serving smiling customers, so it’s great to be able to welcome more people to the pub from today.
“Since reopening on April 12 it’s been great but our trade has been very dependent on the weather, and we’ve really missed having people inside making the pub feel cosy.
“Not only can we do that from today, but we now also have a bigger outside area which means our capacity has increased a lot, so we’re really looking forward to hopefully having a busy summer both inside and outside.”
While some people flocked to pubs as soon as they opened, trading was a little slower elsewhere, as many heeded Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s warning to “exercise caution” because of the uncertainty caused by the spread of the Indian variant of the virus, which has caused spikes in parts of the country.
Peter Bridle, regional director for the South West for the Campaign for Real Ale, which speaks up for pubs, said the sector was still struggling, and being able to serve outside had not been enough for many.
“There is no doubt that the Covid pandemic has had a terrible effect on many people and businesses alike,” he said.
“The hospitality sector has been particularly badly hit. We hope that the public can enjoy the social and wellbeing benefits of being back inside the local – not just in its beer garden.”
While hospitality has been at the forefront of many people’s minds during the prolonged lockdowns, the region’s tourism economy has also suffered.
Many operators, though, have used the time wisely to refresh attractions and provide new entertainment for customers over what is anticipated to be a busy summer.
Natalie Fey, interpretation manager at the SS Great Britain, in Bristol, said: “We have been extremely busy over the last few months installing new sensory surprises, ready for reopening.
“Visitors will be treated to lots of new sounds, smells and effects on site as well as brand new historical set dressing in the Great Western Dockyard.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming our visitors back and excited to open the gates to the SS Great Britain once again!”
The top 10 smells include horse
manure and dirty linen – but also freshly baked bread and bacon.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said yesterday marked “a really important milestone for Bristol”.
He said: “I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard and sacrificed so much to help us get to where we are.
“Our restaurants and pubs are once again able to welcome visitors indoors, limits on the number of mourners at funerals have been removed and our museums, theatres and cinemas can once again open their doors. I know this will bring huge relief to a lot of people.
“It remains extremely important that, throughout this phased unlocking, we are patient and kind to one another. The changes to the rules around social distancing will mean that some people will want to give their friends and family a hug and others will want to continue keeping their space from others.
“We must be mindful that for some people the risks of close contact may be greater than others. In some settings and circumstances, such as care homes or indoors in a restaurant, there will be specific Covid secure guidance that you need to follow, even when you are with friends and family.
“Let’s all be respectful of one another’s wishes and work together to find the right balance as we look forward to recovery.”
Director for Communities and Public Health Christina Gray said: “This next step is really positive for helping to reopen society and get back to our ‘new normal.’
“We have come leaps and bounds since this time last year, but there is still a long way to go. The situation internationally, across Europe and in India, is a stark reminder of the dangers of this virus.”
South Gloucestershire Director of Public Health, Sara Blackmore, said: “I know lots of people want to hug their loved ones again and understand the urge to put your arms around your loved ones.
“But please think carefully, particularly about hugging and remain cautious about the risks from close personal contact as this remains a direct way of transmitting the disease.”
There was also a treat for on the sports front as rugby fans were able to return to Ashton Gate for the first time since March 2020 when Bristol Bears host Gloucester last night.
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