Fife restaurants, cafes and hospitality businesses 'blown away' by support after re-opening

Many businesses around the Kingdom opened their doors for the first time in months on Monday, after being given the green light to re-open as part of the Scottish Government’s latest easing of lockdown restrictions.

Graham Bucknall, owner of the Bridge Inn in Ratho and the Ship Inn in Elie, said it is “great” to be back open.

"Our first table of three regulars in at 11am celebrated with three pints of Tennent’s,” he said.

"The second table to arrive ordered a bottle of champagne before they had even sat down. And then it has been just well-paced ever since. We are expecting a post-work rush this evening, especially as the sun is starting to come through, and then bookings are really solid all week. This weekend is looking really busy.

“Phones have also been ringing constantly - lots of explanations needed for table sizes, inside/outside alcohol, closing times, but everyone seems excited to be booking again. It’s great to be open. And I never want to go through the last few months ever again.”

Will Docker, Co-founder of Balgove Larder, said: “We are delighted to be able to re-open The Steak Barn and firing up the grill for indoor and outdoor dining. The whole team have been hard at work ensuring we can re-open safely and we can’t wait to welcome back visitors for tasty, locally sourced food.”

Lynsey Harley, Founder of Modern Standard Coffee Roastery and Cafe, based in Glenrothes, added: ‘We have been blown away by the support we have had from re-opening for sit-in customers today. Our cafe team have loved being able to serve coffee in a proper cup which has felt like such a treat rather than purely a takeaway.”

Helen Lawrenson from Falkland Stewardship Trust, added: “With our cafe and shop closed and unable to generate income, this has been an extremely challenging time for us, as it has been for many others. We have used this time wisely however and re-organised spaces, both indoors and out, to offer an enhanced visitor experience. We can't wait to invite walkers, cyclists, families and friends into the Stables Garden Cafe and Shop.”