We don't eat out very often but DB loves going out for coffee as being disabled and poorly it's the one thing he can enjoy. The lockdown hit him hard as he likes to go up to his favourite cafe on his mobility scooter every day to chat to people. A couple of times I ordered fish and chips on line and went to pick it up. Then as things eased up we have driven out to places on the river where the cafes were doing takeaway.
A couple of weeks ago we decided now places are open to go as a family to a pub nearby next to the river as it has lots of outdoor spaces. I downloaded the app onto my phone and booked the table. It kept telling me it wasn't confirmed so in the end I had to ring and was told it was confirmed!
When we arrived we were greeted at the gate of the garden and taken to our table. We had to order our meal on the app but it kept telling me it didn't recognize my email address even though I had received emails from them. I had to register all over again so it took half an hour to order but everything did come quite quickly afterwards. Tap water wasn't listed so I had to ask for it in person and finally it came. Four people were having chips and asked for salt and vinegar as we were told we had to wait until it was brought. They never did get any. One good thing was I paid when I ordered so no hanging about for the bill. We decided we wouldn't bother again.
However last week DB and I had 3 nights in a Marston's inn in Clacton so we could visit family. It was a bit different to usual as no staff were allowed to come into our room for the duration of our stay and each day we were handed a paper bag containing coffee and tea etc. We liked the fact that nobody came into our room to clean as it gave us more privacy.
The restaurant belonging to the hotel is where DD and I usually go when I visit her on my own. They have carvery but other menus as well and we love it. The staff are helpful and friendly and it was just the same this time. We didn't need an app although we had booked our table this time. One evening DB only wanted a sandwich which I collected from Lidls right across the road. Then I went in to the restaurant without booking and quickly got my meal brought to me. We also visited a couple of cafes, once sitting outside by the sea. It was all quite easy and enjoyable. Each time we had to give contact details in case of the virus being around.We had plenty of space around us each time and I actually felt better than being in the supermarket where people do not keep their distance.
We haven't ventured into an eating establishment as of yet. I know we will have to gather our courage and do so one of these days.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
The government here have launched eat out to help out. So through August at restaurants which have joined the scheme, there is £10 off each meal. I don't think we will b eating out again for a while.
DeleteIt's all so different. We have not ventured out at all to eat out. Just take out sandwiches from WAWA, and took them over to Valley Forge Park to eat. But glad you've had some breaks. It must be hard for Paul, all the little things that have gone, like sample tastings at Trader Joes, minor but no more.
ReplyDeleteYes I remember when we did the sample tastings at that shop in Amish country. Such fun. I think a picnic will be less stressful than our local experience.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to hear about travel during these times. I won't go eat out or even take-out although I might veer from that one. And the traveling and hotel. I wonder when I'll feel confident enough to do that, but not for some time.
ReplyDeleteIt's a totally different experience than normal. Far fewer people and all distanced. Staff all in masks. Mostly we sat outside. The hotel was just a room and the receptionist behind a screen. We hardly saw anybody else.
DeleteHow different things are but all for safety, we used to love to pop out for coffee and the occasional lunch but not done it since March.
ReplyDeleteYes more complicated now. Easier to take a flask.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't been out for a meal yet. We're away for a week in September (at least, that's the plan, but who knows) and I think that will probably be our first time eating out. Husband sometimes stops for a coffee, when he's out for a walk, at a little cafe with outdoor tables which is on the edge of town. I'm meeting a friend at a garden centre next week and that will be my first cafe visit since lockdown. I feel quite nervous at the thought
ReplyDeleteThere was good social distancing. Better than supermarkets.
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