Wander along the high street over the last couple of weeks and you can see the emerging signs of activity an air of excitement in readiness for the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
Whereas some businesses have been lucky enough to be able to continue trading throughout lockdown, albeit in a different way to how they would normally do so, many have been closed for several months and are slowly coming out of hibernation. Lighter days, sunnier skies – the first signs of spring are everywhere including shops and businesses who are cleaning and painting in anticipation of welcoming their returning customers.
And return we must. We should all be responsible for helping and supporting our local businesses. One thing that this pandemic has taught us is that, if you can’t travel far, then open your eyes to who and what is close by.
Some of the local businesses who have been keeping busy during lockdown are:
In Carlton, Boutique Flowers - we have had several lovely bouquets and gifts from them during lockdown – thank you. They have also had some wonderful displays on the tree outside their premises which have brightened the Carlton vista. Big Mike’s Fat Kitchen actually opened his new business during lockdown, and it has been so popular that queues have been up to an hour long and stretching around the corner! Fabulous cheesecakes and well worth the wait in our opinion! Yum!
Carlton DIY have been open for business throughout – how many DIY projects would have stalled without their local presence and knowledge for all things DIY? And Albie’s did so well to hold on but eventually had to close for a while. Great news that they too will re-opening on 12 April! Top Spot held regular online quiz nights and are making plans for re-opening their outdoor space as soon as possible.
In Mapperley, Deli-licious have been open for takeaway – fabulous coffee, delicious hampers (did you see our Xmas hamper?), sandwiches and cakes. The Fruit Bowl have been open throughout selling fresh fruit and veg as well as plants and flowers for the gardeners amongst us. The Wine Room have gone online so that we didn’t miss out on their fabulous wine choices and we are really looking forward to their advertised cinema nights once lockdown has ended.
Copper on Mapperley Top has had the paintbrushes out this week to freshen up ready for re-opening and the Old Flower Shop won’t be far behind. Bookings are being taken already for opening week so don’t leave it too late! Tipsy Tea is another Mapperley business who have been providing takeaway afternoon teas during lockdown and are taking bookings for April.
And in Gedling, The Wrinkly Lettuce café have been providing takeaway Sunday roasts and cooked breakfasts. And the Gedling Inn have been doing takeaways and are now taking bookings for their new beer garden when they re-open.
There are so many fabulous #local businesses in Carlton, Mapperley, Gedling and the surrounding areas who would love your support as they re-open for business too.
Apologies that there are too many to mention individually, but why not go for a walk in your local area and note the businesses you can use and support once restrictions begin to be lifted? And then spread the news to friends, family and others so that they know where to go too.