Diners rush to bars and restaurants to enjoy the ‘last supper’ as second coronavirus lockdown looms
- Establishments told to close from Thursday unless operating a takeaway service
- Restaurants and bars have seen a surge in customer numbers as lockdown looms
- Recent announcement was met with enthusiasm to embrace whatever is allowed
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.
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
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.
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…
‘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.
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
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.