I went around Edinburgh city centre on the day beer gardens reopened - and this is what I found

Rachel Mackie took to the streets as the Capital’s outdoor drinking areas reopened for the first time since March

For so long, Edinburgh streets have been empty and desolate.

No pipers echoing over Princes Street, no bustling shoppers, no one complaining about the price of a double vodka in the Grassmarket.

But today, that spark came back into the Capital.

The top tier of Bar 50's beer garden

Beer gardens all over the city reopened to an eager public, and the air of delight was palpable and deeply infectious.

Magicians performing tricks to merry groups of friends, streets resembling Paris with cafe tables spilling onto the cobblestones, and closed eyes as patrons took that first sip of ice cold beer straight from the tap.

But despite expectations of wild revelry akin to winning a World Cup, there was a much more gentle and content atmosphere than I might have expected.

A magician entertains a table at the Grassmarket

Everyone was social distanced, cleaning hands, and happily complying with whatever rules were in place by the cautious bar staff.

Larger pubs like the Pear Tree have implemented a full proof pre-booking system that looked almost military in its efficacy, with the occasional queue more often than not dispensing after mere minutes.

A necessary precaution as the manager informed me that their 33 tabled garden was fully booked all day.

Alex, duty manager from Bar 50, whose double tiered garden was among those that have reopened, told me: “Obviously there were a few nerves about coming back and how it would go but so far so good, everyone has respected the rules, it’s been a really positive experience so far but just a few learning curves”

She added that one of their new rules was to “treat us with a bit of respect and patience because this is new for all of us.”

Getting used to new rules and restrictions didn’t seem to be a problem for happy drinkers today though, as the overwhelming feeling of gratitude and relief overshadowed any frustration.

Sarah Smith, enjoying a pint with friends Alison and Shelby at Boteco smiled: “It’s good to be catching up with friends in the sunshine...all socially distanced!”

Adalaide Andonava, cuddled up with her dog Missy outside Brewdog laughed: “We are very, very excited we can finally go somewhere where Missy, my dog, can get petted!"

Her friend Alan added that it was great to see everyone doing the right thing and following the rules.

This seems to have been the theme of Edinburgh today, everyone doing the right thing with a smile on their face and a pint in their hand.

I’m not sure what the day will bring as afternoon turns to evening, but I was faced today with an optimistic and happy vibe across the city, and dare I say it for risk of speaking too soon, there was a real and visibly sensible approach to loosening restrictions.

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