Plenty of Room at the Inn

 I was feeling considerably better yesterday and had a parcel to collect from a locker nearby. We identified a couple of other errands to run in town so decided to stroll over and see where it took us.

The walk was largely devoid of people and town, whilst a bit more populated, was much quieter than it should have been.  It was quite stark.

As we completed our final errand we mused about stopping somewhere on the way back.  Naturally, I suggested LHG and we both thought it was good shout since it's easy to look inside to see how busy it is and then bypass without hurting anyone's feelings.

Actually it was a tiny bit busier than the last time we arrived there at just-after-opening-time but there were no more than 30 customers and only about half the tables were populated.

We masked up, went in and ordered.  Then settled in comfortably.

It was another chance to marvel on the demographics of the customers - including women sitting on their own and drinking beer.  I'm pretty hardened to pubs (and a combination of factors mean I'm unlikely to be a pick-up target, on the whole) but I remember when I wasn't and how I was extremely picky about the places I'd be willing to go in on my own.

The Brewpub would definitely be one of them.  

As time went on, it should have got busier - but it didn't.  Come 7pm when we left, there were fewer people than when we had arrived.  This means it didn't have the right level of "after work" drinkers which have been so noticeable in the past.  It was a pretty stark reminder of what the pandemic and its societal adaptations is having on the hospitality industry.

We're pretty sure that LHG with its diversified business model can ride another disappointing Christmas and is more capable than most of rebounding in Spring (they have a huge covered terrace area which is enormously popular) but if this dip is so noticeable across the board then some others are going to go under. Literally, sobering thought.

Today, I've a mind to try a brand new brewery/bar which is probably the closest to us (closer than Moor or Barley Mow - actually slightly closer than the pasty shop) and looks interesting.  That's provided the man of the flat hasn't succumbed to the lurgy.