How was the "new normal" pub/cafe experience for you?

[43066]

Yes, but my driver last night got out at the station for a cigarette by the side of the bus and used the passenger entrance (not his own door). Naughty boy. To be fair I don't think he could pass on much Covid between his cab and the open door, but as for setting a good example...hmmm.

Did he come within 2m of a passenger to do so? If not, I don't really see an issue, if he did he should probably have carried a mask for that time. Masks are an alternative mitigation where 2m cannot be maintained.

Many if not most buses don't have an offside driver's door.

I suggest you guys never got onto a train I’m driving.

I will think nothing of walking through the passenger saloon, whether it’s to get a cuppa, go for a slash, check stops with the guard etc. I will not be wearing a mask when I do so, and I may well pass within 2m of you.

If anyone has a problem with that, I can guarantee you one thing...

It won’t be me whose getting off that train .

 

[Busaholic]

Did he come within 2m of a passenger to do so? If not, I don't really see an issue, if he did he should probably have carried a mask for that time. Masks are an alternative mitigation where 2m cannot be maintained.

Many if not most buses don't have an offside driver's door.

Other than the Heritage Routemasters that may or may not be currently operating in London (I suspect very much not) and one or two similar operations I'd say there are virtually no buses with offside cab doors left.

 

[farleigh]

I suggest you guys never got onto a train I’m driving.

I will think nothing of walking through the passenger saloon, whether it’s to get a cuppa, go for a slash, check stops with the guard etc. I will not be wearing a mask when I do so, and I may well pass within 2m of you.

If anyone has a problem with that, I can guarantee you one thing...

It won’t be me whose getting off that train .

Would you throw somebody off the train for asking why you are not wearing a mask?

I would have thought that was beyond your powers.

 

[farleigh]

Local pubs have really been picking up this week. The numbers are increasing and everybody seems very happy to be out. Staff also been very welcoming and efficient. Get out to your pubs this weekend

 

[Jamesrob637]

Local pubs have really been picking up this week. The numbers are increasing and everybody seems very happy to be out. Staff also been very welcoming and efficient. Get out to your pubs this weekend

Or if you're still on furlough and one or more of your friends are, go on a weekday

 

[43066]

Would you throw somebody off the train for asking why you are not wearing a mask?

I would have thought that was beyond your powers.

It all depends on how I’m asked.*

If was politely asked why I wasn’t wearing a mask, then of course I would politely explain why (rail staff are exempt). If I’m verbally attacked in such a way that I’m not happy with you on the train, or you make me feel unfit to drive, then you will be off it, before I drive it. Simple as that.

It won’t be me who hauls you off: it’ll be the BTP or, more likely, the other passengers, once the guard makes an announcement about the reason why the train isn’t going anywhere until X person leaves the service.

To be clear, it pretty much never happens. But, if I’m unhappy with someone on the train, I’m not moving it one inch with them still on board. I would be fully backed up on that by management.

*if it’s my train home, you can get away with being a lot ruder .

 

[farleigh]

It all depends on how I’m asked.*

If was politely asked why I wasn’t wearing a mask, then of course I would politely explain why (rail staff are exempt). If I’m verbally attacked in such a way that I’m not happy with you on the train, or you make me feel unfit to drive, then you will be off it, before I drive it. Simple as that.

It won’t be me who hauls you off: it’ll be the BTP or, more likely, the other passengers, once the guard makes an announcement about the reason why the train isn’t going anywhere until X person leaves the service.

To be clear, it pretty much never happens. But, if I’m unhappy with someone on the train, I’m not moving it one inch with them still on board. I would be fully backed up on that by management.

*if it’s my train home, you can get away with being a lot ruder .

Fair enough. I really dislike that attitude but I don't blame you for having it if you can get away with it your employment environment. So just to understand - if I say to you that I think you should wear a mask then I will be 'hauled off' the train by the BTP and/or passengers.

No disrespect but I think you are deluded. When did that ever happen??

 

[Scrotnig]

It all depends on how I’m asked.*

You shouldn't be asked at all. It's none of anybody else's business. No need for you to even entertain such a discussion.

 

[farleigh]

You shouldn't be asked at all. It's none of anybody else's business. No need for you to even entertain such a discussion.

I agree with the notion that a discussion is unnecessary but the suggestion that BTP would be called and the passenger hauled off the train is ridiculous.

 

[Scrotnig]

I agree with the notion that a discussion is unnecessary but the suggestion that BTP would be called and the passenger hauled off the train is ridiculous.

Yes that's a little over the top I have to admit.

None of it would happen if people just minded their own business and stopped trying to impose their views on others.

 

[43066]

You shouldn't be asked at all. It's none of anybody else's business. No need for you to even entertain such a discussion.

True.

I’m not customer facing, but as well brought up person, I will respond to a polite question.

I agree with the notion that a discussion is unnecessary but the suggestion that BTP would be called and the passenger hauled off the train is ridiculous.

As I said, it depends on how I’m asked.

If you rile me up to the point where I feel unfit, the train won’t move. That’s my place of work, where I can’t make mistakes. If I cock up, I can’t blame the idiot on the platform who had a go about not wearing a mask. I would be told: “you should have declared yourself unfit/taken a time out” etc.

So, if that happens, the train simply won’t move. The BTP *will* be called, and you *will* be hoiked off. I’ve seen it happen before. If it’s too bad I’ll simply be declaring myself unfit and heading home. And they can find someone else to drive the flaming thing.

I have one, single chance to maintain my clean safety record (that will follow me for the rest of my career). The same one chance that begins every time I key on, on every single trip.

 

[Scrotnig]

I’m not customer facing, but as well brought up person, I will respond to a polite question.

Agreed, although by the same token, engaging with people who think they have a right to interfere in things that are non of their damn business, only serves to encourage them.

 

[43066]

Agreed, although by the same token, engaging with people who think they have a right to interfere in things that are non of their damn business, only serves to encourage them.

Totally agree.

If I wanted to do warm and fuzzies, and brown nose people, I wouldn’t have become a train driver. I’ve done enough of that kind of thing in a previous life to know why I never, ever want to do it again.

I show up to work to drink tea, and drive trains, in no particular order...

 

[bramling]

Fair enough. I really dislike that attitude but I don't blame you for having it if you can get away with it your employment environment. So just to understand - if I say to you that I think you should wear a mask then I will be 'hauled off' the train by the BTP and/or passengers.

No disrespect but I think you are deluded. When did that ever happen??

I don't see why it's an issue. People are within their rights to ask why someone's not asking a mask, but if it's done in an aggressive or threatening way then it's fully reasonable for the person to be removed. Railway staff are exempt, and there's good reasons for that. Same will presumably apply in other places.

 

[43066]

Fair enough. I really dislike that attitude but I don't blame you for having it if you can get away with it your employment environment. So just to understand - if I say to you that I think you should wear a mask then I will be 'hauled off' the train by the BTP and/or passengers.

If you say it in a way that I consider inappropriate, yes, you will be hoiked off. It matters not a jot what you think of my attitude. My opinion counts for more than yours when I’m expected to drive the thing for 100 miles plus.

No disrespect but I think you are deluded. When did that ever happen??

It happened around the same time you forgot I’m not legally required to wear a mask, as a member of railway staff.

BTP are also exempt. Next time you’re at a station, go and start haranguing them about why they aren’t wearing masks. See how far that gets you.

 

[birchesgreen]

Well despite my misgivings, as i was invited to dinner (i.e. someone else was paying which helped conquer those misgivings) i experienced the new normal dining experience last night. It was fine in fact, the waitresses had visors, there were separate entrances and exits, more spaced out tables et cetera. One glass had to be returned as it still had the previous patron's lipstick on it - slightly worrying perhaps.

But a decent experience and good food, just need to not think of the sword of Damocles hanging over me for the next few weeks.

 

[takno]

Well despite my misgivings, as i was invited to dinner (i.e. someone else was paying which helped conquer those misgivings) i experienced the new normal dining experience last night. It was fine in fact, the waitresses had visors, there were separate entrances and exits, more spaced out tables et cetera. One glass had to be returned as it still had the previous patron's lipstick on it - slightly worrying perhaps.

But a decent experience and good food, just need to not think of the sword of Damocles hanging over me for the next few weeks.

Lipstick notoriously bakes on in dishwashers - I doubt the virus would have made it through the process as unscathed. Good to hear it was fine.

I managed a pub in Scotland last night for the first time. Very relaxed and pleasant - write down name and number on a shared sheet, but with no checking. It was a bit quiet which doesn't bode well for profitability, but I did the decent thing and upped my drinking rate to compensate, as well as ordering an excellent meal which I honestly probably didn't need. Only downside was that there was no cask ale on, but I'm going to assume that's a temporary supply issue rather than part of the new pretend-this-is-normal

 

[Ian Cunningham]

Lipstick notoriously bakes on in dishwashers - I doubt the virus would have made it through the process as unscathed. Good to hear it was fine.

I managed a pub in Scotland last night for the first time. Very relaxed and pleasant - write down name and number on a shared sheet, but with no checking. It was a bit quiet which doesn't bode well for profitability, but I did the decent thing and upped my drinking rate to compensate, as well as ordering an excellent meal which I honestly probably didn't need. Only downside was that there was no cask ale on, but I'm going to assume that's a temporary supply issue rather than part of the new pretend-this-is-normal

I think some pubs will be wary of putting on cask especially if they didn't have a huge demand before - even a proper Real Ale pub will not be sure of demand and definitely won't want to be wasting any beer at the moment.
I've seen lots of reports of a reduced range of cask in a lot of pubs (eg offering 2 at a time rather than 4) - although our main local is running a full 6 pumps.
There is also a supply issue in that not all breweries have switched production back from small-pack to racking beer into casks and on-trade distributors are struggling a bit with demand as every pub orders beer at the same time.
Even if they got a delivery it may not be settled, vented and ready for sale.

 

[yorksrob]

I think some pubs will be wary of putting on cask especially if they didn't have a huge demand before - even a proper Real Ale pub will not be sure of demand and definitely won't want to be wasting any beer at the moment.
I've seen lots of reports of a reduced range of cask in a lot of pubs (eg offering 2 at a time rather than 4) - although our main local is running a full 6 pumps.
There is also a supply issue in that not all breweries have switched production back from small-pack to racking beer into casks and on-trade distributors are struggling a bit with demand as every pub orders beer at the same time.
Even if they got a delivery it may not be settled, vented and ready for sale.

I've only come across one pub that hasn't put on any cask. Most good ones if they usually have a few, might have a few less to avoid them going off.

 

[Howardh]

I've only come across one pub that hasn't put on any cask. Most good ones if they usually have a few, might have a few less to avoid them going off.

One pub in Bolton offered profuse apologies that the brewery hadn't given them their full delivery, and that the only "beer" on tap was Red Stripe. Hard life, but I grinned and beared it.

 

[yorksrob]

One pub in Bolton offered profuse apologies that the brewery hadn't given them their full delivery, and that the only "beer" on tap was Red Stripe. Hard life, but I grinned and beared it.

The Sheffield Tap has had a decent selection over the past couple of weeks !

 

[takno]

I think some pubs will be wary of putting on cask especially if they didn't have a huge demand before - even a proper Real Ale pub will not be sure of demand and definitely won't want to be wasting any beer at the moment.
I've seen lots of reports of a reduced range of cask in a lot of pubs (eg offering 2 at a time rather than 4) - although our main local is running a full 6 pumps.
There is also a supply issue in that not all breweries have switched production back from small-pack to racking beer into casks and on-trade distributors are struggling a bit with demand as every pub orders beer at the same time.
Even if they got a delivery it may not be settled, vented and ready for sale.

I was a bit surprised, given that most of the pubs I went in in England had at least one on the go, and they normally have 4 on. I can see the supply issues though, and it's entirely possible they are suspicious of not being able to sell it fast enough. The messaging has been a lot less positive in Scotland as well - there's always been a bit of a feel that they would be more than happy to push back the opening date or have a sudden crackdown again, which might make you more wary of getting short life stock in.

 

[Howardh]

I was a bit surprised, given that most of the pubs I went in in England had at least one on the go, and they normally have 4 on. I can see the supply issues though, and it's entirely possible they are suspicious of not being able to sell it fast enough. The messaging has been a lot less positive in Scotland as well - there's always been a bit of a feel that they would be more than happy to push back the opening date or have a sudden crackdown again, which might make you more wary of getting short life stock in.

That's it, they could have cask standing around for ages unserved if numbers don't pick up. Would have thought they could buy in more bottled beers - my local has a decent selection at good prices. Then when numbers return, put the cask back on.
On saying that, even a pint of Carling in the pub is better than sitting at home all day counting tea-bags.

 

[yorksrob]

The pub I went to which didn't have any cask had one of those trendy keg IPA's, which tasted nice enough.

 

[takno]

That's it, they could have cask standing around for ages unserved if numbers don't pick up. Would have thought they could buy in more bottled beers - my local has a decent selection at good prices. Then when numbers return, put the cask back on.
On saying that, even a pint of Carling in the pub is better than sitting at home all day counting tea-bags.

Frustratingly, the quality of Tennants, which has always been mildly bad but better than Carling, has gone downhill in the last couple of months. Still, I'm more than happy to make sure their barrel of Innis & Gunn is always fresh, even if I can't quite escape the feeling that somebody is breaking in while I'm out and stealing tea bags...

 

[GusB]

Frustratingly, the quality of Tennants, which has always been mildly bad but better than Carling, has gone downhill in the last couple of months. Still, I'm more than happy to make sure their barrel of Innis & Gunn is always fresh, even if I can't quite escape the feeling that somebody is breaking in while I'm out and stealing tea bags...

Funnily enough, I found that the quality of Tennents was actually better after my local reopened. Unfortunately I don't have much choice - T, Guinness and John Smith's are the only draught options in my local, and they don't buy bottled ales unless there's a function and they've been specifically requested.

I was chatting with the landlord and asked if they had to waste much, but he said they were lucky in that unopened kegs were refunded and the only one that had just been opened just before lockdown was Guinness, which he drinks anyway.

I wonder if some of the pubs round your way are trying to get rid of not-so-fresh stock.

 

[Howardh]

I wonder if some of the pubs round your way are trying to get rid of not-so-fresh stock.

Undoubtably.

 

[takno]

I Ionder if some of the pubs round your way are trying to get rid of not-so-fresh stock.

Tbh I was finding it with the canned Tennant's which I've stopped buying for home. I should probably give a pint of the draft stuff a go and see how it is. On the other hand I do have the choice, and it's quite nice to try something different

 

[MikeWM]

I'm really not feeling positive at all about cinemas. They've pushed back all the major releases now until at least the Autumn.

Some cinemas that opened back on the 4th are cutting back (eg. the Odeon Norwich changed last week to only being open weekends). Most that had definite reopening dates sometime after the 4th are still closed and don't have a new reopening date.

Vue still haven't reopened any of their cinemas, or have any information on when they intend to reopen.

Cineworld are still claiming they are going to reopen next Friday, but it seems very likely to me they'll push that back again.

And most independents seem firmly closed with no plans to reopen.

As cinemas have been allowed to open since the 4th, their financial position must be increasingly precarious

 

[43066]

That's it, they could have cask standing around for ages unserved if numbers don't pick up. Would have thought they could buy in more bottled beers - my local has a decent selection at good prices. Then when numbers return, put the cask back on.
On saying that, even a pint of Carling in the pub is better than sitting at home all day counting tea-bags.

Tbh I was finding it with the canned Tennant's which I've stopped buying for home. I should probably give a pint of the draft stuff a go and see how it is. On the other hand I do have the choice, and it's quite nice to try something different

Good lord. If Carling and Tenants represent a step up, I’m disappointed by the palette of this forum.

Google cloudwater brewery people... That good stuff doesn’t come cheap.