Thirsk market traders, Leeds bar staff and Sheffield punters react to reopening

Pubs reopened, weddings resumed and market traders roamed once more as Yorkshire took tentative steps towards normality.
By John Blow
Published 5th Jul 2020, 17:28 BST
Updated 5th Jul 2020, 17:31 BST

In Thirsk, North Yorkshire, its farmers’ market opened for the first time since lockdown yesterday.

Following an earlier return for the Northern Dales Farmers’ Markets at Stokesley last month, its stalls in Thirsk were spread out, hand sanitiser was available and stewards were on hand to help the public.

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Northern Dales Farmers’ Markets director Julie Martin said: “We’re off to a really promising start.

The first Thirsk Northern Dales Farmers' Market since the easing of the lockdown. Picture: James Hardisty.The first Thirsk Northern Dales Farmers' Market since the easing of the lockdown. Picture: James Hardisty.
The first Thirsk Northern Dales Farmers' Market since the easing of the lockdown. Picture: James Hardisty.

“It was lovely to see so many people come out and support the traders.”

She estimated that several hundred people attended.

Mrs Martin said: “The customers that were wandering around were very respectful of social distancing. It felt like a really nice, safe environment.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced that pubs could reopen from 6am on Saturday, and Leeds and Sheffield - two of the region’s biggest nightlife spots - were no exception.

Members of the public were allowed to re-enter pubs after more than three months. Pictured: Two women walking along Greek Street, one of the main Leeds bar areas. Picture: James Hardisty.Members of the public were allowed to re-enter pubs after more than three months. Pictured: Two women walking along Greek Street, one of the main Leeds bar areas. Picture: James Hardisty.
Members of the public were allowed to re-enter pubs after more than three months. Pictured: Two women walking along Greek Street, one of the main Leeds bar areas. Picture: James Hardisty.
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Chris Impett, 28, manager of Belgrave Musical Hall and Canteen in Leeds, said: “It’s been a challenge but we are relishing it. We’ve had to do a lot of staff retraining.”

Oliver Stot, operations manager at Dakota Hotel, said he had a “mixture of feelings” about reopening.

George Crawshaw, who was drinking with friends outside All Bar One in Sheffield, said the last three months had been “a nightmare” and that his first pint had been “like heaven”.

Meanwhile, on Saturday the wedding of Tom Hall and Heather McLaren took place at St George’s Church, Leeds, as marriage ceremonies capped at a 30 guests were permitted.

Related topics:PubsThirskSheffieldNorth YorkshireLeedsBoris Johnson