The Brew Normal

Sturgeon says the experience shouldn’t ‘feel right’.  But delighted drinkers are just happy to be together

- Keith McLeod

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued a message to parched drinkers yesterday as beer gardens across Scotland reopened: “This should not feel normal.”

Measures pubgoers faced included giving contact details to staff in bars, no contact with others in beer gardens, limited times in some pubs, table service only, giving notice of departure times, using free hand sanitiser and booking in advance.

In some pubs, staff wearing PPE gear greeted customers and social distancing measures were in place.

At Glasgow’s Brel bar, in the city ’s west end, owner Oli Norman said: “All our customers are absolutely loving it.

“We’ve been spending the last 10 weeks in lockdown refurbishing the place. Our new normal is half-capacity but there’s a really nice atmosphere.”

Welder John Thomson, 48, said: “It was such a thrill to get out.”

At Glasgow’s Rotunda, boss Fernando Nascimento said: “It’s amazing to be open again. People are sharing a meal or a drink – they need this in their lives.”

The car park at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange has been turned into an outdoor drinking space.

Managing director Paul Demarco said: “It’s a really nice, chi l led atmosphere and everyone is behaving sensibly and enjoying themselves.”

Glasgow’s St Luke’s & The Winged Ox was among bars operating a two-metre social distancing rule. Pubgoer Alison Brown, 29, said: “It’s great to see friends and socialise over a nice drink after so long stuck in my flat on my own.”