Edinburgh cafe pipes in customers for grand reopening

Top bagpiper Lou Marshall played for customers going in to a city cafe to mark their grand reopening in style.

City's piper Lou Marshall welcomes customers to Piecebox

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Piecebox cafe in Polwarth, ranked one of Tripadvisor's top places to eat out in the capital, was among businesses across the city relieved to be opening their doors as Scotland took a major step out of lockdown.

Owner Audrey Thorburn said the she was thrilled to see customers back this morning and she hoped to have a busy lunchtime.

Lou, the official piper to the Lord Provost, gave a rousing rendition of Scotland the Brave as the cafe opened it’s doors at 10am.

Audrey said the pipes were a big hit: “Despite a few setbacks we are excited to welcome back our customers. I’d like to thank Lou for her fantastic piping. What a great atmosphere she created. It went down a storm! My amazing staff team have had the most difficult year, but have returned full of energy and enthusiasm. It has been steady this morning and I’m hoping that we see things pick up even more at lunchtime.”

Ahead of the reopening Audrey installed a £10,000 top range ventilation system, a special handwashing sink, and set up a one-way system.

Cafes, beer gardens, non-essential shops and museums are all allowed to open again from today as the country moves from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government's five tiers of restrictions.

Under the rules up to six people from two households can socialise indoors in a public place like as a café or restaurant. Venues will need to close at 8pm indoors, with alcohol only allowed to be served outside.

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