As predicted, no pubs opened this evening. They haven't the outdoor space, save for Wetherspoon's and they've said they'd only open all or nothing. And, let's face it, not everyone will have the confidence to order a pint. It's hardly top of everyone's list, let's be honest.
People's appearance, however, is much more important. And so it was that a significant number of hair salons and barbers opened today, for the first time since lockdown. This in spite of Mondays usually being part of the hairdressers' weekend. There was a steady supply of customers, some desperate for a hair cut or colour treatment, perhaps even getting professional help to right some clumsy DIY jobs. Some establishments finished well after 6.00p.m.
In all, it resulted in at least some of our retail units actually having customers within—something that's something of a novelty, to be honest and been in very short supply since lockdown eased. Here are the highlights (excuse the pun).
Hair by Tracey on Well Street (above) was new, in the former Jan's Cards. Just when you thought we didn't need another hair salon we have coronavirus which puts pressure on hair stylists to get things done after lockdown. She effectively replaces the closed salon neat to the Manor House. Tracey must've brought with her some of her former customers, for this was her first day ever and she had clients. They were still finishing the place off on Saturday.
The popular Hashm Barber Shop had undergone a minor refurbishment. Inside were no fewer than six barbers buzzing around like bees in their new yellow T-shirts. We weren't too sure about their meeting the distancing criterion but they had used hazard tape outside to mark out the required 6′ 6″ (or, as they are continentals, 2m).
The Lox Box had more instructions than for an Ikea wardrobe. I wonder how many followed everything to the letter. Still, you cannot take risks and the Lox Box has taken matters very seriously. There was a cordon and taped markings all over the floor.
The Salon, Clwyd Street (formerly David Owen), wins for exterior flora.
Tommy's, Clwyd Street, managed to get one of its entrance notices upside down. It had a reassuring A-frame at the entrance advising people only to enter when told to do so.
And, who weren't open? Beauty on the Square (opening on Wednesday); Oasis (no notification in the window); Annefried's (notices went up over the weekend, somewhat belatedly); Hairs & Graces, off Well Street; and Kave (which never seemed to open much in any case).
Outdoor cafés could also open as from today. Outdoor space is limited but Bar Llaeth did trade, albeit for takeaways only with a table in the doorway (no seating provided). The Coffee Cabin's monopoly is now broken.
Update 14/7/20: Bar Llaeth was not open.
Update 15/7/20: Bar Llaeth was open.
And, who weren't open? Beauty on the Square (opening on Wednesday); Oasis (no notification in the window); Annefried's (notices went up over the weekend, somewhat belatedly); Hairs & Graces, off Well Street; and Kave (which never seemed to open much in any case).
Update 14/7/20: Bar Llaeth was not open.
Update 15/7/20: Bar Llaeth was open.