Belper Lockdown Life – Angels
Here we share a tale from Rachael Fox of how the coronavirus crisis is affecting life in Belper.
If you want to tell the world about it we’d love to share your story.
Angels.
Yaknow, that little cosy place tucked away in the corner of the marketplace?
That little watering hole has given me a steady job for the past 3.5 years, and in that time I have met the most incredible people.
I have one of the best bosses I could ask for, who looks after me, so I look after her pub.
Unfortunately the doors are closed to the public for now, same as most places, but please do remember it’s only temporary.
I walked into the building yesterday to sort some of the stock out, and as I opened the bar door I could not hear the fan in the back screaming its head off trying to keep my beer cool.
I peeped into the cellar and felt uneasy when the beer rack was completely empty.
I sighed when behind the bar had no barrels cluttering the place as my reserves, with cider boxes balanced expertly on top.
I stood for a moment, shoulders dropped as I leant on the bar for one last time before all this blows over.
I stared out at the empty front of house, with all the furniture stacked, not a soul in sight.
Then I remembered….
I remembered the smiles people gave me as I poured beer, the laughter and banter we shared as a pub family. The conversations shared over that very bar between myself and so many people, so much laughter.
I remembered the summertimes with the wasp killing crew and the regulars who chased the sun up the alley, taking all the tables and chairs with them!
I remembered in the winter months, the satisfaction of customers when they walked into a nice warm pub after braving the cold to get to a beer!
I laughed a little at all the jokes and happy memories that came flooding back, the new faces and old, the shit I have to put up with.
The nostalgia that I used to feel on a Sunday morning at 11am, just me on my tod at the pub to clean and I would potter about; setting the building up ready for a day of trading.. having a ciggy before I opened the doors and watching people over the marketplace.
Yelling “Mornin’!” to the regulars who got there early. (9/10 times it was “Mornin’ Pete!!”)
The memories that have been built from just one building are incredible, and I will always hold dear.
I had to step back and remind myself that this isn’t the end, it’s only temporary!
I left the pub with a little smile on my face as I locked the door, smirking because the weather was perfect beer drinking weather… AS IT IS TODAY.
Anyway.
I will see you all soon guys, take care of yourselves 🍻
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