SOME OBSERVATIONS DURING RECENT PUB VISITS

 Since my first visit to a pub after July 4th I have been to have few more and have observed all pubs have approached the new guidelines differently. Some have erected screens on the bar but most haven't. Most have either a sign in book or an app to register your presence. One in Northumberland wouldnt let us in but more on that later. I have to admit all have been a relaxing experience with great beer and food. .

First the screens. The Washington Arms had one across the entire length of the bar, with a small gap to pay. It looked like a railway ticket office counter. Drinks and food were brought to the table. 

Another, The Engine Room at Eighton Banks has two tills with a three foot gap between. The tills had screens in front of them , but not the gap, which is where you queued and ordered and paid - bizarre. The other bizarre experience was the gents toilets. There was a large sign on the door, "only one in at a time". Fair  enough but inside the middle of the three urinals was covered in a black bin bag, preventing use. So I did a solo social distance, singing to myself so no one would come in. The food at the pub was excellent as usual as was the Double Maxim, which is always kept well.

Some pubs had directional arrows, most of which were how to get to the bar or the toilets, and in some cases, no arrows to follow to get out !.  It reminds me of those Wetherspoons pubs where its a trek up several stairs and along corridors, past numerous doors  , following signs to get there, but crucially , no signs on how to get back to the bar !

All my pub outings so far had been afternoon ones and most have been fairly busy. I drink in Durham every Tuesday night and last week was my first night out since March 17th. Both pubs visited were very quiet. It may be people have got used to staying in. Its a worrying sign when pubs close before 10pm.

Finally, The Ship Inn, Low Newton Northumberland ( above) . As the pub is small, they have taken the novel approach of outside eating and drinking only.  You order and pay at one hatch and collect at another. If you need the loo, go round the back to the public ones. Read more about my trip in the next edition of CAMRA Angle Online next month ! 

Below is the link to previous issues

https://sst.camra.org.uk/wordpress/?tag=newsletter 

At no time over the last few weeks have I felt uncomfortable or threatened , if that's the right word, by other people being there.  So I'm already looking forward to my next pub visit., which will be part of the Government drive against obesity by partaking in the Eat Out To Help Out initiative.