A triumph of hope over….everything else


The last few weeks have been extraordinary. 

 

On April 12 came the Big April Easing. Not as big as the May Easing or indeed, the End of Restrictions Easing in June. Which may or may not happen, incidentally.

 

April 12 was the day when hospitality venues were finally allowed to reopen for the first time since January. This meant we could technically sit outside a pub or restaurant in the spring sunshine, enjoying a Pimms or an Aperol Spritz.

 

As the old saying goes: “Man plans, God laughs”. The Great British weather has put the kibosh firmly on THAT scenario.

 

In February when we were only allowed to meet one other person outside for a walk, the heavens opened and the mud was biblical. Then in April and May – when we’ve been allowed to socialise outside pubs and restaurants once again - we’ve had nothing but rain, hail and howling winds.

 

But pubs and restaurants opened nonetheless and the punters turned up in droves, desperate for a glimpse of Other People having fun. But was it actually fun?

 

Sitting in the cosy corner of a quaint old pub, cheek-by-jowl with strangers keen to chat and “cheers” you on account of your nearness is one thing. Huddled on a wooden bench in the corner of a pub garden, socially-distanced from other drinkers while trying to shield your glass from the driving rain under a flimsy parasol is another.

 

We booked a meal out on May 15 at a lovely harbourside pub, famous for enjoying the full force of the early evening sun in spring and summer. Only we couldn’t get a glimpse of the sun – or the harbour – on account of the canvas overhead covering and the plastic windbreak on the harbour-facing side. It was like eating in a tent. And we were actually grateful for this unsightly protection since the weather was so cold we were chilled to the bone within an hour, even dressed in our winter coats.

 

Since last Monday, May 17, we are now officially allowed back inside pubs, restaurants and other people’s houses. And surprise, surprise - these venues are also packed to the rafters (as far as they’re allowed to be) as we make up for lost time. And well done us: we’re boosting the hospitality coffers as we do so. 

 

I love the stoicism we’ve all shown during this pandemic, gritting out teeth and determined to enjoy ourselves despite the ever-tightening rules. I hear people up and down the country will be hosting a family “Christmas” this weekend on account of having missed spending December 25 with their loved ones. And it’s Eurovision weekend, too, which will bring much joy after the 2020 event was cancelled.

 

As for us, we’re off to Woolwich tonight to have dinner with Robbie and Maria at their new flat. They moved there in March, but we still haven’t seen it. Another big date, another milestone, another step towards normality. Let’s keep everything crossed.

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