Diners have been rushing to bars and restaurants to enjoy the ‘last supper’ as the second coronavirus lockdown looms.
Food establishments have seen a surge in customer numbers as people hurry to make the most of the hospitality before the new nationwide restrictions come into force on Thursday.
Under the guidance, set out by Boris Johnson last week, all non-essential shops will be shut until December 2.
Students in Nottingham took to the streets last night ahead of today’s lockdown vote, despite the region heading into Tier 3 measures last Friday
Diners (pictured in Soho last night) have been rushing to bars and restaurants to enjoy the ‘last supper’ as the second coronavirus lockdown looms
Food establishments have seen a surge in customer numbers as people hurry to make the most of the hospitality before the new restrictions. Pictured: Diners in Soho last night
Students emptied out onto the streets of Nottingham during the penultimate night of pre-lockdown measures across the country
Restaurateurs have said that the first lockdown in spring brought a wave of anxiety among customers – but the most recent announcement was met with an enthusiasm to embrace whatever is allowed.
In a relaxation of the original plans expected to start tomorrow, punters will be able to collect pre-ordered alcohol – on the condition they do not enter a pub or bars’ premises.
The drink must be ordered via a website, phone or text message while venues can also deliver beverages.
Should be lockdown be voted through, as expected later today, then pubs and bars will still be able to sell takeaway pints, the Government announced yesterday, as Nottingham students headed out on the town
Security workers spoke with students as crowds gathered on the streets of Nottingham last night
Lockdown measures starting tomorrow will see pubs selling alcohol in pre-ordered takeaway cups, but the drink must be ordered via a website, phone or text message
Venues will also be able to deliver alcohol, but hospitality industry bosses have raised concern
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, told the BBC: ‘Takeaway alcohol from pubs if it is pre-ordered and customers don’t enter the premises is movement, but still not anywhere near enough.
‘Supermarkets and off-licences can still sell alcohol, so this is grossly unfair on pubs with off-licences. It remains the case that to help pubs and brewers survive, and to stop up to 7.5 million pints from being wasted, the government needs to give pubs the same ability to sell off-licence alcohol as it did in the first lockdown.’
Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume in Cartmel, Lake District, is one such establishment that has seen a change in fortunes.
Owner Simon Rogan has said that he has been full-booked since July and, more recently, diners have been upgrading to experience the more expensive meals and wine.
He told The Times: ‘They’re giving themselves a real treat. People are spending £300 a head on average, which is pretty good for us as usually its about £220…
Under the guidance, set out by Boris Johnson last week, all non-essential shops will be shut until December 2. Pictured: Customers sitting outside in London last night
Waiters wore face shields as they served packed tables outside in London ahead of the second national lockdown coming into force on Thursday
Restaurateurs have said that the most recent announcement was met with an enthusiasm to embrace whatever is allowed. Pictured: Customers chatting to staff in the UK capital
‘Since July 4 we’ve been full for lunch and dinner every day. It has been incredible. Not just us but all establishments in the Lakes have been extremely busy.’
And it is a trend that has continued across the country.
Alex Brake, at the Bird in Hand in Wreningham, Norfolk, told the EDP: ‘There’s been a mad panic to get a table so people can go out and for a meal before they are put back into lockdown.
‘We are very busy which is really good to see, it’s lovely to see locals come out to support us.’
There has also been an uptick in bookings in London despite the capital being plunged into a localised Tier 2 lockdown in recent weeks – which meant people could not socialise with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting.
The new nationwide lockdown restrictions, which come into force on Thursday, will see all restaurants and bars told to close unless they can operate a takeaway service.