05/23/20

Britain First orders

The return of fun Non-essential businesses are making plans to reassure customers

Streaming services have replaced the cinema. Online shopping is standing in for the high street. Restaurant food is being home-delivered. And the ol' Horse and Groom has become the Horse and Zoom, as people take to video-chatting with friends while sipping from a can of lager.

It is, pubgoers have discovered, a poor substitute for the real thing. As Nick Mackenzie of Greene King, which runs 2,700 pubs, puts it: "The point of the pub is to socialise."

The boozer was among the first casualties of Britain's lockdown, with pubs ordered to close three days before the rest of the country. Along with other non-essential leisure venues, they will probably be the last to reopen, too.

Evidence from countries now opening up suggests that such businesses will have to wait a few weeks longer than everyone else. Those in Britain are using the extra time to plan how to operate when they are allowed to welcome customers once more.

The task is particularly tricky for publicans. The very social distancing measures that save lives also kill the vibe: nobody wants to go to an empty pub.

Larger pubs are planning to space out tables, reduce the number of occupants and offer takeaway pints and roasts. Independent pubs can start selling other things, such as groceries.

One, the Red Lion in Ealing, is already offering Italian cheese, olives and ham, as well as sourdough breads. Those of all sizes will have to make a show of good hygiene.

Expect regular table-wiping and digital ordering to replace germy paper menus. Consumers are likely to hit the high street before the pub.