Agreed.I have been to around 6 or 7 pubs now since re-opening, including a lovely one in West Yorkshire, and I must say I am enjoying the 'new normal' experience. I'm relatively young so have spent a lot of time in packed pubs at weekends and do miss that a bit, but the relaxed atmosphere I have experienced at most establishments is brilliant.
I dont miss queuing at the bar and battling for space. I'm very lucky that I have a smart phone that allows me to use websites or apps to place orders, and this combined with table service just makes everything so easy (for myself at least).
Weather permitting, we've also spent more time in pub gardens than we normally would and have made the most of pubs putting more seating in outside areas. I certainly do not have an issue if pubs have to continue as they are for a while yet.
I can understand people wanting to boycott venues that have Network Rail style cumbersome one way systems and complicated rules. But the vast majority of venues are very pleasant and have sensible arrangements.
I would urge those who are fed up with the antics of some venues to 'shop around' and find venues that have sensible arrangements.
There are some venues that have put me off; I won't be going to them again. But most venues have been great and it's made me want to go to pubs/restaurants even more than before.
I'll also plug again that we organise forum events for forum members to socialise and this includes visits to pubs / restaurants and if anyone is interested in joining us, we would love to hear from you. (Contact me directly and quote this message and I will arrange for your first meal to be on us!)