Well, on EMT, my preference was always for the furthest carriage from the buffers where most 1st class passengers couldn't be bothered to walk. Always worked except where they put first at the buffer end !
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How was the "new normal" pub/cafe experience for you?
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Well, on EMT, my preference was always for the furthest carriage from the buffers where most 1st class passengers couldn't be bothered to walk. Always worked except where they put first at the buffer end !
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On a similar note, I hate restaurants/cafes that place tables almost within touching distance of each other so you end up feeling your conversation can be overheard by the next table or being shown to a table which is right next to other diners in an almost empty place - I always choose another table in that instant.
Not such an issue at the moment I suppose though.
Experience from a random crawl of Good Beer Guide pubs in a South-West English city.
1. “leave your details to please the authorities“. Cash accepted. Service at the bar, although not busy. Yellow/black distancing tape around the bar
2. “use the app to order please” (I only wanted a pint so was served without hassle). Cash accepted. No registration. One way system in operation (and I had never been there before, finding the WC took longer than expected).
3. Queueing system for outdoor table service only. Didn’t notice the system so was frowned at when I reached the door by Darth Vader. Didn’t hang around to see what service was like.
4. As No.1 but card only.
5. Table service only. Wait at the door to be allocated a table (No queue). Card only. No Registration.
As with previous experience, no consistency in how the guidelines are interpreted.
1. “leave your details to please the authorities“. Cash accepted. Service at the bar, although not busy. Yellow/black distancing tape around the bar
2. “use the app to order please” (I only wanted a pint so was served without hassle). Cash accepted. No registration. One way system in operation (and I had never been there before, finding the WC took longer than expected).
3. Queueing system for outdoor table service only. Didn’t notice the system so was frowned at when I reached the door by Darth Vader. Didn’t hang around to see what service was like.
4. As No.1 but card only.
5. Table service only. Wait at the door to be allocated a table (No queue). Card only. No Registration.
As with previous experience, no consistency in how the guidelines are interpreted.
I've been to a few pubs since they've opened, and whilst the methods have varied widely, the ethos of not being too crowded and stopping different groups from needlessly bumping up against eachother has been consistent. It seems a decent ethos for the time being.
philosopher
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I have been to two cafes and a pub since they reopened
The first cafe I sat outside and was relatively normal, the only difference being the coffee was in a paper cup and there being more outside seating.
The second cafe the measures actually seemed to make social distancing harder not easier. First they had closed half the cafe and secondly they had put in a one way system. Given the seating area was fairly small I could see everyone when going to and from my seat so could avoid them without the need for a one way system. If I obeyed the one way system in fact I would have ended up having to squeeze between a table and a small group who where talking quite loudly, which is not best for avoiding infection. In that cafe the coffee was likewise in a paper cup.
No registration was required in either cafe though.
In the pub I had to register my name and phone number, was directed to a table and had to have my temperature measured, which was quite a novel experience but seemed a bit pointless (if I had a fever, I think I would know and somehow I don't think I would be up for going for a drink!). There was bar service though.
The first cafe I sat outside and was relatively normal, the only difference being the coffee was in a paper cup and there being more outside seating.
The second cafe the measures actually seemed to make social distancing harder not easier. First they had closed half the cafe and secondly they had put in a one way system. Given the seating area was fairly small I could see everyone when going to and from my seat so could avoid them without the need for a one way system. If I obeyed the one way system in fact I would have ended up having to squeeze between a table and a small group who where talking quite loudly, which is not best for avoiding infection. In that cafe the coffee was likewise in a paper cup.
No registration was required in either cafe though.
In the pub I had to register my name and phone number, was directed to a table and had to have my temperature measured, which was quite a novel experience but seemed a bit pointless (if I had a fever, I think I would know and somehow I don't think I would be up for going for a drink!). There was bar service though.
I have a friend who went out with a group of friends to Carlisle and got turned away from one pub because they were from Scotland. Is this common and legal?
Definitely not and shouldn't be.
Yeah, i hate when they bunch people up together when its empty.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Seems quite bizarre, as a Scot is less likely to be infected than someone from Carlisle! Perhaps the pub misunderstood and thought they had to for legal reasons.
However, your address of residence is not a protected characteristic and so it is certainly legal for a publican to refuse service on that basis. It might not be unusual to do so on the day of a football match to prevent away fans being in a certain pub, for instance, and for rather different reasons Nottingham pubs were allegedly refusing Leicestrians last weekend.
I've been in three pubs now. One had a bit of a token one way system through the garden and back in the front door, and was table service only, but was otherwise pretty normal, with excellent food and okay beer.
The second was a fairly lively Friday night suburban pub. Order from app and get the wrong drinks delivered about 10 minutes later, which got old fast, but otherwise no issues and a pretty relaxed attitude to a group of 7 or 8 at a table.
Third was a tiny Czech place. Very friendly, not too fussy about anything. the whole place was probably barely more than 2 metres wide anyway, so social distancing might have been too small for some tastes.
I've also been for a curry, which was fine. We were the only customers, mostly I think because people weren't realising it was open
The second was a fairly lively Friday night suburban pub. Order from app and get the wrong drinks delivered about 10 minutes later, which got old fast, but otherwise no issues and a pretty relaxed attitude to a group of 7 or 8 at a table.
Third was a tiny Czech place. Very friendly, not too fussy about anything. the whole place was probably barely more than 2 metres wide anyway, so social distancing might have been too small for some tastes.
I've also been for a curry, which was fine. We were the only customers, mostly I think because people weren't realising it was open
SJN
Member
Went to my local Italian restaurant earlier. Was great. Spaced out but still quite a few in. Usual lovely food. Gave name and number. Then to pub round the corner. Name & number again. Was good there too.
Busaholic
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Just returned from my dog's short late night walk/ comfort break. The street where I live has one sedate hotel/pub that had already shut for the night, a pub that hasn't yet reopened and another pub, never a rowdy one but always keen on attracting the punters. It has been aided by Cornwall Council's decision to close the street off for traffic (and parking) on Thurs-Sun evenings from 17.30 to 22.30 and allow pubs/restaurants to put tables and chairs outside. This has been taken up by the one pub and one restaurant, and the pub, about 150 yards from my home, had several dozen mostly youngish people standing cheek by jowl in the road as though it was still 2019! They weren't being a nuisance, but if one of them was unknowingly carrying the disease I hate to think how many it might have been transferred too, even in the open air.
DelayRepay
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I have been to two pubs. One is my local and was fine. We chose to sit outside because it was nice, and took advantage of the table service. It all felt rather continental. They had a one way system inside to get to the loos, but there are narrow corridors so it made sense (and actually using the fire escape made it quicker to get back to the garden). Landlady who I know told me she's running at 50% capacity and needs more staff to offer table service so isn't sure it's viable as a long term business model.
I went to another pub which a friend had booked. I should have been concerned when he told me that when he made the booking, they asked him to watch a video on their Facebook page (of 7 minutes!) so that we understood the procedures. To order a drink you have to raise your hand to alert the staff.
My girlfriend was particularly unimpressed that in order to get to the ladies, she had to leave the pub via a fire escape, walk around the outside of the building and re-join the queue for the entrance, as the ladies is next to the front door. I thought this was funny until I found out that men had to use porta-loos in the car park. Apparently the corridor to the gents is dangerously narrow and they couldn't safely implement a one way system. I don't think we'll be back there in a hurry!
I went to another pub which a friend had booked. I should have been concerned when he told me that when he made the booking, they asked him to watch a video on their Facebook page (of 7 minutes!) so that we understood the procedures. To order a drink you have to raise your hand to alert the staff.
My girlfriend was particularly unimpressed that in order to get to the ladies, she had to leave the pub via a fire escape, walk around the outside of the building and re-join the queue for the entrance, as the ladies is next to the front door. I thought this was funny until I found out that men had to use porta-loos in the car park. Apparently the corridor to the gents is dangerously narrow and they couldn't safely implement a one way system. I don't think we'll be back there in a hurry!
DelayRepay
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Or maybe they just don't like Scottish people for some reason?
Im sure it was lifted the other day.
This was, reluctantly, lifted by NS on Tuesday.
There’s been more cases so I’m preparing for her to lock us down again, any excuse to keep that border shut tight!
initiation
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I think these sort of pubs/restaurants will be self selecting over the next few weeks. The type of people who want to go to the pub at the moment don't want all this hassle and may go once, but won't return.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
If you require a 7 minute video on FB then your procedures are too complex.
I really don't see as it requires any more than:
- Tables laid out with partitions and for spacing, and clear signs that they must not be moved (as normally in most pubs moving tables is OK as long as you put them back, so that needs to be made clear as it's a change from the norm)
- Clear signs and notes on the tables stating what the method of service is
- Clear signs for any one way systems
- Hand sanitiser by the door
If you're doing compulsory booking, a link to whatever site you're doing this on on the website and FB page and a sign on the door.
I really don't see as it requires any more than:
- Tables laid out with partitions and for spacing, and clear signs that they must not be moved (as normally in most pubs moving tables is OK as long as you put them back, so that needs to be made clear as it's a change from the norm)
- Clear signs and notes on the tables stating what the method of service is
- Clear signs for any one way systems
- Hand sanitiser by the door
If you're doing compulsory booking, a link to whatever site you're doing this on on the website and FB page and a sign on the door.
Butts
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Tried a couple over the weekend, though not my first choices which are all still closed for the moment.
1) Person generally at the door, except when they weren't, I was in the pub before they asked for my details, beer choice limited compared to pre-Lockdown. Bar ordering, limited food menu on, compared to the cafe's I've been in recently I thought too many tables & chairs had been removed. No music, a few other people in talking quietly, but it was early in the day and I've been in at a similar time before and it was like that.
2) Person at door taking details and directing people to seats, a bit like a fancy restaurant really. Decent beer choice, football on telly, a few people shouting despite the posters on the wall saying not too. Also a bit of a queue round the bar and people stood around not observing social distancing, didn't feel comfortable in there but this was more to do with the general atmosphere.
3) Outside seating only with inside access for the toilets only (use of normal entrance and fire exit to create a one-way system), chose a table and details and order taken there, only one cask ale on though. Quite nice, probably the best of the three, but weather dependant.
1) Person generally at the door, except when they weren't, I was in the pub before they asked for my details, beer choice limited compared to pre-Lockdown. Bar ordering, limited food menu on, compared to the cafe's I've been in recently I thought too many tables & chairs had been removed. No music, a few other people in talking quietly, but it was early in the day and I've been in at a similar time before and it was like that.
2) Person at door taking details and directing people to seats, a bit like a fancy restaurant really. Decent beer choice, football on telly, a few people shouting despite the posters on the wall saying not too. Also a bit of a queue round the bar and people stood around not observing social distancing, didn't feel comfortable in there but this was more to do with the general atmosphere.
3) Outside seating only with inside access for the toilets only (use of normal entrance and fire exit to create a one-way system), chose a table and details and order taken there, only one cask ale on though. Quite nice, probably the best of the three, but weather dependant.
Pete_uk
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So the pubs are quiet, no loud music and I assume no kids using it as a playground 
I would venture out to one if I had someone to go with
I would venture out to one if I had someone to go with
Skymonster
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Two pubs I have been in regularly / semi-regularly since the reopening:
1. Doors open, sanitiser beside the bar (optional), no name or number taken or asked for, no staff wearing masks, tables well spaced, cash or card, order all drinks at the bar (but stand a foot back), a few arrows on the floor, no table service, no entertainment (until Sunday when live gigs resume, but band will be outside)
2. Doors open, sanitiser on entry (mandatory), name and number taken before being allowed in, all staff wearing face masks, one way system with signs on stands, cash or card, plastic screens all round the bar, order first drink at the bar then sit down, order all subsequent drinks at the table, staff bring all drinks to tables, tables don't seem to have moved since before the lockdown, plastic glasses only, sport on all the TVs
Guess which one I prefer - and more importantly which one I feel more relaxed, more comfortable and safer in? Easy answer: NUMBER ONE
1. Doors open, sanitiser beside the bar (optional), no name or number taken or asked for, no staff wearing masks, tables well spaced, cash or card, order all drinks at the bar (but stand a foot back), a few arrows on the floor, no table service, no entertainment (until Sunday when live gigs resume, but band will be outside)
2. Doors open, sanitiser on entry (mandatory), name and number taken before being allowed in, all staff wearing face masks, one way system with signs on stands, cash or card, plastic screens all round the bar, order first drink at the bar then sit down, order all subsequent drinks at the table, staff bring all drinks to tables, tables don't seem to have moved since before the lockdown, plastic glasses only, sport on all the TVs
Guess which one I prefer - and more importantly which one I feel more relaxed, more comfortable and safer in? Easy answer: NUMBER ONE
185143
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Went in an independent pub on Saturday afternoon, not busy but never been in before. Went in, took a seat and a member of staff soon came round to take my order. A pint and a card machine was brought to me quickly. There was test+trace QR codes on the tables, however I had no signal so couldn't fill it in.
Went in a 'Spoons or 7 on Monday. The meet+greet at the door has seemingly been abandoned, was offered a test and trace in the second pub, it was brought with my pint. However by following the one way system to leave, I was unable to submit the form as there was no box by the exit...
Went in a 'Spoons or 7 on Monday. The meet+greet at the door has seemingly been abandoned, was offered a test and trace in the second pub, it was brought with my pint. However by following the one way system to leave, I was unable to submit the form as there was no box by the exit...
DelayRepay
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I agree and I will be fair by saying the seven minute video did include a walk-through of the pub's two indoor areas, two marquees and their new smoking area (where they have painted 'x's on the floor 2m apart so smokers do not stand too close to each other...). I think they have made a mistake - they are clearly trying to cater for the paranoid, but at the moment the paranoid will be staying at home, not going to pubs, no matter how many arrows are painted on the floor.
Butts
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Standby for aggro- the Pubs can open indoors up here (Scotland) from today 
Jamesrob637
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Standby for aggro- the Pubs can open indoors up here (Scotland) from today
Good choice starting it on a Wednesday. Wales is starting on a Monday. I think poor weather in most of England ten days ago was the reason it wasn't a worst case scenario.
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
Yes, I thought opening on a Saturday was nuts. Even though I did partake on the Sunday
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