Many “non-essential” shops will be closing for the latest lockdown which starts today (Nov 5), but those selling “essential goods”, and food and (non-alcoholic) drink for takeaway, can continue to trade – and all need your support. Here’s news of what some independent Triangle outlets will, or won’t, be offering – at least until December 2.

 

The bakery at Bitterne Park Triangle is likely to remain open during the lockdown (Tues – Sat), as will Triangle newbie ‘Art’el – but two cafes have said they’ll have to close and won’t be offering takeaways.

Graham Cotton said he hoped his bakery would stay open during the latest lockdown, and the bakery is also supplying nearby Art’el with its sourdough loaf.

The interior of Art’el, in the former hardware shop, on opening day this week. Essential supplies will also be available.

As reported, Art’el opened on Wednesday in the former hardware shop, and is specialising in art and gifts produced by local artists.

But it says it will also be staying open during lockdown offering essential supplies in the form of local fruit, veg and other mainly local produce supplied by the Bitterne Box Company – which itself offers a veg box delivery service.

Neighbouring cafe The Songbird has announced that it will be closed during ‘Lockdown 2020 part two’.

Jackie Tomlin, owner of The Songbird

“To all my lovely customers I have made the decision to close The Songbird fully even though we can do take always many staff are now having to self isolate so this is the most sensible thing to do,” said a message on the cafe’s Instagram account.

And Il Picchio has also confirmed that, like last time, it won’t be offering any takeaway during lockdown.

“Our place isn't really set up for that, and people also still have to come in ... so we'll just temporarily close and see what happens,” owner Terry Hackett told bitternepark.info.

“It's hard as we have just got back on our feet and after the eat out scheme it makes it harder, but we'll survive and hopefully if people play by the rules, we'll be back up and running on 2nd Dec.”

Next door Miss Ellie’s said they would be running as a takeaway from Saturday, opening from 9am-2pm each day except Mondays.

Riverside Diner will also be offering takeaway during the lockdown, from 9am-3pm.

Other businesses that are solely takeaways are able to open if they wish, although they have to stop at 10pm and can’t sell alcohol.

Personal care outlets such as hair, beauty and tattoo parlours have to close – and are prohibited from providing these services in other people’s homes.

“Places of worship, apart from for the purposes of independent prayer, and service broadcasting and funerals” also can’t open, the government has said.

rideride cycle workshop at the Triangle posted on Facebook that they'd be remaining open during lockdown.

They said: "We will continue to serve you outside the shop, under our awning and from behind a perspex screen. Please keep your distance and use contactless payments where possible.

"You can book your bike in online at rideride.co.uk/workshop

"Our opening hours are Mon 8-6pm, Tue-Fri 9-5pm and Sat 9-1pm

"We are not able to run any of our maintenance courses at the moment.

Stay safe and keep riding."

In Portswood, independent trader October Books said it will be open “throughout November on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am- 4pm with the shop floor “open for the sale of essential food and household items”, although you won’t be able to browse for books. These can however be ordered for collection by contacting the shop, or via their online storefront at Bookshop.org

Kate's cafe, another Portswood independent, said it was closed completely at present, with no takeaway/deliveryoptions.

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