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8 social distancing tips for shoppers in Beds, Bucks & Herts
All shops in England, regardless of what they sell, will be able to open with social distancing measures in place from the middle of June. Retailers across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire have been working on plans to enable social distancing and reduce the chances of coronavirus transmission via clothing and other items that are on sale in their stores.
You can also help reduce the chances of coronavirus transmission with some simple changes to your shopping behaviour. Here are our 8 Social Distancing tips for shoppers:
1. Keep your distance
It’s very important to follow the government rules about social distancing while out & about. Many shops and retail outlets are limiting the number of people in their stores and have distancing stickers near the entrance and tills to make sure shoppers stay two metres apart whilst queuing. However, it’s also important to make sure you maintain the same distance while walking around the shop. Don’t reach across or stand close to someone while picking your products from shelves or fridges, and if an aisle looks crowded, come back to it later in your shop.
2. If a shop looks too busy, wait outside or come back later
While most retail outlets are introducing one in/one out policies to limit the number of shoppers in their stores, some smaller shops have not introduced this yet or may find it hard to enforce. If your favourite shops look too crowded to allow you to stay two metres away from other shoppers, wait outside until it’s quieter or shop elsewhere.
Many of the major supermarkets offer a click and collect service which could help limit your time queuing and in store, although with increasing demand, available collection slots are becoming more difficult to come by.
So don’t limit yourself to the big supermarkets – many local food shops are allowing people to call and place orders ahead of time to limit how long they need to spend in their stores, so check whether this is the case for your local butcher or greengrocer and, if it is, get your order in! Lussmanns are offering this service across Hertfordshire for example.
3. Get creative with online grocery options
Although the major supermarkets are struggling to meet demand, there are other less conventional options that are still delivering to people. Many restaurants and catering suppliers are getting creative and are now delivering to households, with meat, veg and fruit boxes available for the same week.
Keep an eye on social media posts from local community groups for updates on what’s available in your area. This even applies to wine thanks to Must Wine.
4. Keep your shopping trips to a minimum
Government advice is to shop wisely – You can do this with the help of social media and at the same time, find some amazing offers. When you do venture out, plan ahead and do a full shop buying produce you can freeze so that you know the food will last you as long as possible. Remember to write a list so you don’t forget things!
5. Shop alone and quick
Don’t take the family on your shopping trips. If you’re able, shop alone to reduce the number of people in the store and minimise the risk of others catching the virus. Where possible, leave children at home. If you like to browse, keep it to a minimum and think of others waiting to shop too.
6. Take care when paying
Take care at self-checkout stations – many people will have touched the screens, so use antibacterial hand gel as soon as you’ve finished your shop. Where possible, use contactless or card payments rather than cash, which may carry germs.
Many retail outlets have installed plastic screens at the checkout to protect their employees and customers, but still be conscious of supermarket employees and keep your distance as much as possible to help protect both them and you.
7. Limit the items you touch
To help protect you and other shoppers, try to only touch the items you intend to purchase to limit the spread of germs. If you buy fresh produce, ensure you wash it thoroughly before use to help wash away any germs that may be lingering.
Be careful about which surfaces you touch – it’s understood the virus that causes COVID-19 can persist on surfaces from a few hours up to a couple of days, so make sure you sanitise your hands as soon as possible after being out in public.
8. Remember hand hygiene
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds both before your supermarket visit and as soon as you get home to reduce the risk of the infection spreading. It’s also worth taking an antibacterial hand gel with you and using it as soon as you leave the store. Finally, try not to touch your face – this is harder than it may seem but important, particularly before you’ve washed your hands.
Nestled within the historical elegance of Brocket Hall, the renowned Auberge du Lac has proudly announced a new chapter in its storied culinary journey, spearheaded by the illustrious Chef John Barber. Having reopened its doors in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, the restaurant has been infused with a fresh vigour, artfully blending tradition with cutting-edge culinary innovations.
Chef John Barber
Chef John Barber: A Maestro in the Kitchen
Chef Barber’s illustrious career, inspired by his mother’s home cooking, began at UCB College of Food and has spanned the globe, from the prestigious kitchens of the Belfry Hotel to the exotic locales of Thailand and Paris. His tenure at London’s Bar Boulud and the opening of 14 Hills with the D&D Group has seasoned him with an unrivaled expertise, making his tenure at Auberge du Lac a herald of culinary excellence.
Lucy Hawkins: Sustainability at Its Core
The heart of Auberge du Lac’s culinary philosophy is its kitchen garden, tenderly curated by Lucy Hawkins. This garden is not merely a plot of land; it is the cradle of sustainability, employing no-dig methods that enrich local biodiversity and allow for the freshest ingredients to be used directly in the kitchen. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this verdant sanctuary during the Garden Tour & Lunch events, connecting them intimately with the origins of their meals.
The Auberge Experience: A Symphony of Luxuries
Auberge du Lac doesn’t just stop at fine dining; it offers an immersive ‘Auberge Experience’ package. Priced at £420 per couple, this luxurious offering includes a cozy welcome with Champagne and chocolates, a seven-course tasting menu, an overnight stay in the stately Melbourne Lodge, and a full English breakfast at The Melbourne Club. Each of the lodge’s 16 luxury ensuite bedrooms offers a vista of the Hall, Broadwater Lake, and the golf course, making it an ideal retreat after a gourmet evening.
Access and Convenience
Just a stone’s throw from London, Auberge du Lac offers an escape into the countryside that’s both quick and easy. The journey from central London to the tranquility of Brocket Hall takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a taste of the countryside without straying far from the city’s pulse.
A Forthcoming Review
Stay tuned for an in-depth review of Auberge du Lac, where we will delve deeper into the gastronomic delights and serene ambiance that make this destination a crown jewel of culinary and leisure escapades.
Embrace the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of fine dining and bespoke luxury at Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall, where every visit promises to be more than just a meal—it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of history, taste, and lush landscapes.
On the 14th of July, the BRIT-nominated duo Jungle will host an unprecedented open-air music event at Tofte Manor, a picturesque 17th-century estate. This unique one-day festival, dubbed “Jungle Curates,” will feature a lineup exclusively selected by Jungle themselves, including some of their favorite artists, DJs, and collaborators.
Stellar Lineup in a Breathtaking Setting
The event will take place amid the stunning backdrop of Tofte Manor’s labyrinth and the surrounding rolling hills of Bedfordshire. It promises an immersive experience with bespoke production, décor, and exclusive merchandise. The lineup reflects Jungle’s significant influence on the music scene, featuring a mix of established and rising stars. Notably, BBC Radio 1 icon Annie Mac will make her Tofte Manor debut, appearing alongside Jungle. The diverse roster continues with Ross From Friends, DJ Paulette, Ahadadream, Peruvian DJ and producer Sofia Kourtesis, and London-based Mood Talk, promising a blend of house, electronica, and more.
Jungle’s Ascending Trajectory
Coming off the success of their latest album “Volcano,” Jungle has been a prominent force in the UK music scene for over a decade. Their recognition includes a recent BRIT Award nomination for “Group of the Year” and a series of sold-out performances worldwide. Their hit single “Back On 74” recently surpassed 100 million streams, and they were the first to sell out three consecutive DJ shows at Koko London in one day.
A Unique Venue with No Restrictions
Tofte Manor is set apart from other venues by its lack of restrictive sound limitations, a common issue at inner-city events. This freedom has made it a favorite spot for electronic music’s biggest names, including Keinemusik, Maribou State, Dixon, TSHA, Floating Points, and Fred Again.., among others. “Jungle Curates” marks the final event of the summer at Tofte Manor, hosted by Labyrinth Events, who have also lined up performances from Adriatique and a sold-out show with Fatboy Slim the preceding weekend.
As the day concludes, Jungle themselves will take the stage for a rare DJ set, ensuring the event not only celebrates their music but also their unique style and influence. This is set to be a highlight of this summer’s music calendar, blending historical charm with contemporary beats in a not-to-be-missed festival setting.
