I know I am pushing it, writing a travel blog based around going to my local, but after lockdown it seems as exciting as a journey to the moon.
Lots of people I know are not keen on heading out during this first weekend of legal indoor socialising, and I get that. But for us, restaurants, pubs and bars are a big part of our life, whether at home or abroad, and there’s been a huge void during the past three months. Plus I’m quite curious about how different things will feel. There’s no doubt about it, we’re going out.
Round 1 – Saturday evening in Maidenhead
The streets are quiet as we make our way to the centre of town. Our favourite local pub, 15 Queen Street, is only a small space. We were worried it wouldn’t re-open after lockdown, so it’s great to see that several tables are taken when we arrive at 6.30pm. Hopefully they will be able to make it work. We’re greeted and seated, and asked to check in to a track and trace app. Not a problem, whatever it takes.
We sit by the open door, with one other couple behind me. Drinks are brought to us, how very European! It feels completely safe, and absolutely great to be away from the sofa and Netflix for the evening. I have never watched so much telly in my life as during lockdown, and it’s not a habit I want to keep. The husband has subjected me to some real turkeys lately!
The atmosphere is low key. The staff are chirpy and it feels like people are glad to be out again, but keen to have a relaxed evening. After a couple of drinks we pay (contactless) and head out (by the new designated exit). So far, so easy.
Next stop, the local Chinese restaurant. I’ve booked a table so they already have my name and number. Walking in, it all looks very familiar – there are fewer tables perhaps but it’s a big place so no issues with social distancing. The staff are wearing masks, but I think they’re smiling underneath. They sound happy to see us!
The menu is the same as always, and that’s why we’re here. I’m just not a takeaway kind of woman. I like going out to eat. As usual, we stuff ourselves silly with our favourite dishes. All is serene, it’s just a normal Saturday night in Maidenhead despite the new requirements. If nothing else, lockdown has taught me to appreciate the joy of having food brought to me and dirty plates taken away. It seems like a minor miracle!
After finishing our meal we head across the road to the Maiden’s Head, only to be told they are closing early tonight, a planned precaution just to ease everyone back into pub-going. Disappointing, but understandable – it’s not just the punters who are feeling a bit jittery about the end of lockdown. We decide to head home, feeling satisfied with our first foray back into normality. Extremely civilised is the verdict. Admittedly, Maidenhead is not Soho, but I expect, like us, that the vast majority of people have a safe and sensible first night out.
Round 2 – Sunday pub lunch in Cookham
I’m surprised to get a table at quite short notice at the King’s Arms in Cookham, given how popular a pub roast is normal circumstances. I have to admit that I’ve never cooked a roast dinner in my life, so this will be our first since lockdown began. The husband is looking forward to some meat. I don’t eat it, therefore I don’t cook it (why would I?), so a few steaks on the barbie excepted, it’s been a meatless few months for him.
We decide to walk there across the fields. It’s an hour’s walk, and we want to be hungry! Reaching the high street, it looks like around 50% of places are open. Evidently, some feel that they want to wait a bit longer. At the King’s Arms, new signs direct us to the side entrance, as the front door is exit only. Nothing too complicated there.
Inside the pub, we have a short wait for our table, although they don’t seem to be particularly busy. It’s a bit strange to see the empty bar – it’s usually packed. The staff seem generally nervous, like it’s their first day on the job ever, messing around with the computer screen and unsure of what wines are available. But drinks are delivered to our table without much delay and our food order is taken promptly. It didn’t take us long to decide – of course we want our long-awaited Sunday lunch. The husband orders the mixed meats version to make up for lost time! It’s a huge pile of chicken, pork and beef, which should keep him happy for a while. Nut roast for me – believe it or not, I’m a huge fan.
The verdict is positive – it was worth the wait. I feel a bit sad that the place isn’t busier. There are a couple of groups out in the garden, but lots of empty tables inside. I want our pubs to survive this pandemic, so hopefully more locals will feel confident enough to come back soon. We certainly don’t feel that coming out has put ourselves or anyone else at risk. Everyone is following the rules and it doesn’t feel like too much of a chore at all.
We’re both stuffed, so it’s a good job we have the walk home to look forward to. It’s been a lovely weekend, and hopefully there’s a lot more of this to come. Fingers crossed we are finally heading back towards normality and the hospitality industry will survive the crisis. I will personally do my utmost to help – cheers!
Steph's Travels 