You know the feeling when you haven’t seen an old friend for a long time and it’s like a breath of fresh air when you finally get to catch up?
That’s how it felt getting to finally have a drink on Lark Lane after months of seeing this normally thriving street overwhelmingly closed for business.
The Lane is best known, and best loved, for the normally buzzing atmosphere, bohemian crowd and wealth of food and drink offerings that cater for everything from breakfast to late night cocktails.
Despite the fears expressed by many that July 4 would be chaos, as customers denied a night out for months would run wild when offered the chance of a drink, the picture on Lark Lane was one of responsible businesses all doing their bit to enforce social distancing.
Venues like Polidor, Bookbinder and Love and Rockets all had new screens. Queues were in place outside the streets most popular venues and everyone seemed to be obeying the rules and staying sensible.
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My first stop was Bookbinder where table service was in force for our visit. During my time at the venue, I saw surfaces and busy areas being regularly disinfected while customers stayed seated unless going to the toilet.
None of these measures had any impact on the atmosphere or ambience, as customers were clearly excited to finally be out enjoying a drink with friends.
Elsewhere on Lark Lane, The Lodge and Love and Rockets all had orderly queues down the street, with Love and Rockets’ new beer garden offering some welcome additional outside space as customers sat round chatting with friends and enjoying the new freedom.
Walking up and down the Lane and taking in all the different venues, the overwhelming picture was one of much loved businesses clearly elated at the opportunity to finally open their doors and eager to do everything they could to protect their staff and customers.
