{"id":7013,"date":"2020-07-06T22:29:58","date_gmt":"2020-07-06T22:29:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theparentsocial.com\/?p=7013"},"modified":"2021-05-09T18:39:31","modified_gmt":"2021-05-09T18:39:31","slug":"eating-out-post-relaxation-of-lockdown-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theparentsocial.com\/eating-out-post-relaxation-of-lockdown-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Eating out post-relaxation of lockdown rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On July 5<\/em>th <\/em><\/sup>we went to a favourite place of ours \u2013 Whitstable \u2013 for a day out. The biggest relaxation of <\/em>lockdown<\/em><\/a> rules had happened the day before on so-called \u2018Super Saturday.\u2019<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-relaxation of lockdown rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We’re big fans of eating out, so our last pre-lockdown meal out on March 15th felt like a very long time ago. In early lockdown we didn’t go anywhere other than having a daily walk. With the relaxation of some rules, we began going a little further afield and became accustomed to taking picnics to quiet spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"relaxation<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants and relaxation of lockdown rules – our experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We didn’t take any food with us as we knew at the least we’d be able to get takeaway from somewhere. We didn’t want to head to a potentially very busy pub, but we were open to assessing the \u2018eating in\u2019 situation at restaurants once we got there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On arrival in Whitstable we headed to The Lobster Shack<\/a> – a great place we’ve eaten at many times before. It was only 11.30am but we wanted time to do some reconnaissance before anyone got too hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"relaxation<\/figure><\/div>
\"relaxation<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We were met outside by one of the staff; it was open for dining in and they had availability. The waitress explained about the app ordering process, she also explained about the one way system for entering and exiting the restaurant. It all sounded good, but still slightly cautious we opted for a table outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was very breezy outside and as it was early still we decided to venture inside. Whilst the outside had started to get quite busy, we were the first indoor customers, which was great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"relaxation<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The tables <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The first thing I noticed was at least half of the tables had been removed and there were more<\/em> than two metres between each. There was nothing<\/strong> on the table except a laminated page with instructions on how to order. There was also a very big area for service with a wide gap from the bar\/pass to the nearest table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"relaxation<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The app <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once at our table, we downloaded the aforementioned app. You order your food and pay via your phone. It was a very straightforward process and payment was instant. Everything was done without any interaction with the staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"relaxation<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Service <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Staff were calm and collected. Most were wearing full PPE. Our drinks were brought out without fanfare and it all felt very well organised. My mind was truly set at ease. Shortly after, our food arrived with similar efficiency and modesty. The cutlery came in a box alongside sachets of condiments and napkins. <\/p>\n\n\n