It was freedom Friday as people flocked to area pubs and barbershops after months of isolation.
The Beamish House Pub in Port Hope was totally reserved.
Terry Thornton was one of the first people on the upper patio and told Today’s Northumberland, “freedom again. We can come to the pub and have a beer, meet with my mates, bring the dog and he can get a drink too.”
“It’s great – finally.”
Thornton like thousands of others has been in isolation wearing a mask and gloves for months.
“I’m angry about it to be honest. It’s brought the whole world to a standstill. The economic outcome from this will go on for decades.”
“But I’m worried that it’s not over. There is going to be a second wave. We can’t just go back to the way we were.”
“The genie is out of the bottle and it ain’t going back and that’s that.”
But for this Friday, it was about sitting down with friends and sharing stories of what life has been like for the last several months.
On Friday it was a day to raise a glass and share a laugh.
For owner of The Beamish House, Jessica Dodd, “it was really exciting.”
“It was a day we anticipated, but weren’t sure when it was going to come.”
“We can’t wait to see our customers again.”
Dodd said when she first heard the announcement by the Provincial government on Monday that patios would be allowed to open she wasn’t sure how people would feel coming out.
“But Tuesday morning the phone started ringing and it really hasn’t stopped since.”
The Beamish House is rare from other businesses in that the patio can hold up to 88 people whereas the inside can only hold 80 (when it is open).
“We’re really blessed here because we have a large outdoor space so we can safely seat our guests at a social distance and make them feel comfortable.”
In Cobourg across from Victoria Hall, Taps and Corks On King Street owner Andee Kitchen couldn’t contain her excitement while putting the finishing touches on her patio that can seat up to eight people.
“We’ve been waiting forever – there is no words, but we’re super excited.”
Admitting it won’t be normal for a period of time, Kitchen said she very thankful for council who has been working with business owners to help them.
“I can’t thank them enough. This is a great opportunity. No it’s not great, but it’s a start and it’s a great start.”
Even though her patio can only hold eight people, as opposed to the inside would allow for 30 people, Kitchen is just happy to be open and have some normalcy.
“Even with our original patio plans for this year, I think it was only 12. It isn’t varying much from what it was originally. We wanted it to be comfortable. It’s not a eating place. It’s a casual hang out place.”
And just a few doors down at Peter’s Barbershop, men waited patiently outside for a haircut.
George Baxter said there was a long line up when the barbershop first opened on Friday morning so he went home, had breakfast and came back to wait in line again.
With a lot of barbershops still not open, Baxter couldn’t wait any longer for a trim.
Over the course of the last few months, Baxter said people have offered to cut his hair, but he firmly said “no.”
“I’ve had enough. Whoever I can get (professionally) to cut my hair is going to cut it. I’m getting tired of it flopping around.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
