Covid lockdown eases - Pubs are open! (only outside) and shops too :)
That day had to finally come. The government's plan to unfreeze the economy is entering the next phase. A moment to remember ;)
Restaurants and pubs (serving food and alcohol to customers sitting only outdoors) were gradually preparing for re-opening.
It was a curious pleasure to take off the lockdown pressure, on 12th of April 2021, and to take a walk around Liverpool old town. On Tithebarn Street, thirsty customers were welcomed in the old/new Kitty's Showbar, the old Shenanigans, and the Railway (above).
The tables were set up in accordance with the recommendations - two metres apart. We caught the ceremonial measurement moment (above).
Little pubs did just about anything to have an outdoor seating area. Chairs and benches outside, temporary fences and barriers marking the area of a makeshift beer garden.
The premises located in Williamson Square (above) boast an interesting solution. They grabbed a large part of the square for their activities. All fenced off, but not a very aesthetic feel of this industrial steel...
Some pubs opened at midnight, landlords were saying there was a real sense of celebration.
Shoppers rushed to their favourite High Street stores. The queues formed a long lines in front of Primark, JD Sports and TK Maxx and others in Liverpool One with a so-called 'covid officers' guarding the measures. Retailers extended their opening hours.
The main shopping and pedestrian-only area in Liverpool, Church Street, was literally "flooded" with people, enjoying an unusually BOSS weather.
A 'welcome back' signs everywhere. Happy retailers and customers.
The last time we were allowed in here was just before Christmas!
We remembered Bold Street, normally the hive of activity, completely deserted during four months of second lockdown, when only takeaways were opened.
The street has many quirky shops and fancy bars and restaurants with food from all over the world. It was a sort of relief to see live coming back here.
The space in Concert Square was packed; quite typical with this popular place for younger generation. Only, why it has to be fenced with this ugly mesh of steel?
Prime Minister Johnson urged everyone to "behave responsibly". Tell it to the youngsters... Good luck, covid officers.
Back on Bold Street, a revival scenes. Our 'happy-in-his-nostalgia' Mexico singer is back!
The tables literally took the whole of the street, anywhere possible.
The famous Matthew Street comes to life very slowly. Only a few pubs decided to reopen their doors, among them McCooley's, Rubber Soul and King John.
The others have to wait, the narrow lanes of the Cavern Quarter do no allow too many outside spaces for so many pubs here, next to each other.
Cilia Black statue also has to wait to be hugged by the tourists.
It is still not profitable to re-open large-size premises for bars to be run only outside.
The popular Weatherperson's will open at a later date.
The lockdown changed the face of British streets. The 'continental-style' beer gardens are new to the isles. The idea caught up quickly and is so much enjoyed - out of sheer necessity.
But, please, cannot you think of a more pleasant fencing? This is rubbish.