Pubs and bars ushering in a new era of service have praised punters for embracing “the change of a lifetime”.
Hostelries were finally able to reopen indoors last week – but the warm welcome has changed dramatically in look.
However, from big chains to small independents, businesses were bowled over by the willingness of customers to turn back out in force.
Bosses at Ayr’s Arthur Street Kitchen revealed trade was brisk as customers flocked back.
General manager, Jon Neil, said: “We’re delighted to be back up and running.
“It was a really strange feeling opening the front doors to the public for the first time since March 20.
“We are even more delighted and proud to have overcome all the fear and uncertainty that the owner and all 50 staff had the day full lockdown was announced.”
The chain’s Restaurant Twenty20 has also reopened with The Hollybush Inn to follow this week.
And in a further boost, the company will open ‘Kitchen 77’ at Silverburn in the autumn.
The Stage Door will remain closed until the reopening of the Gaiety Theatre.
Jon added: “The work involved to get to the point has been hard – everything from one way systems, to socially distanced tables, proper PPE and sanitising stations.
“And as much effort as possible has gone in to have the risk of any spread reduced to a minimum.
“We wish everyone in the trade much success and hope we all can pull ourselves back.”
At smaller venues like the Wee Windaes pub in Newmarket Street, customers have been getting used to a whole new normal.
Landlord Jim McSherry said: “Our regulars have been great, as I knew they would be.
“For all of us this is the change of a lifetime and we’re all getting used to it together.
“But it’s just great to see all the old faces back together as it’s been a long four months.”
The likes of Troon and Prestwick have also reported bustling trade in the first week back to the new normal, with popular venues like the Golf Inn enjoying a rush on tables.
