As ‘non-essential shops’ have the go-ahead to reopen from Monday (June 15), and queues of shoppers are reported in Southampton city centre, the Triangle is slowly coming back to life with one or two more businesses now open again.

 

We’ve already mentioned a few businesses that are either trading again or planning to be.

As reported, cycle workshop rideride has been open since May 4 – and has been doing brisk business judging by the queues outside from time to time. SOS Hardware has also been trading, and some others have been offering takeaway only, including Bengal Paradise and now apparently Bitterne Balti.

The Butcher’s Hook now offers a craft beer delivery service, and Darn It and Stitch also offers online ordering.

Miss Ellie’s kicked off a takeway service from June 2, and The Songbird has opened, also for takeaway only, from today. You can read our previous article about these cafes here.

There’s also been a pop-up ice cream shop outside Charlie’s fish and chip shop over the weekend.

Sign in Coral's window at Bitterne Park Triangle

Other businesses we’ve so far spotted opening from today have been betting shop Coral, Piper’s Emporium, and The Co-op announced it was back to normal trading hours from Sunday.

Meanwhile Track 21, which is operating online, said their Triangle shop will be reopening on Saturday July 4 “with a full relaunch and stock package”.

Sign in Cobden Bridge Co-op

Pubs, cafes and restaurants remain closed since March 20, apart from some managing to offer takeaway or delivery. The BBC recently reported: “In its recovery strategy document published on 11 May, the government said that the hospitality sector - which includes pubs, bars and restaurants - could start to reopen ‘no earlier than 4 July’, if Covid-19 safety guidelines could be met.

“The government has yet to announce details of what these guidelines would be, but they're expected to include rules on social distancing, heightened hygiene procedures and protection of bar and restaurant staff.”