Bristol on the first day of the 2021 lockdown

A few friends were practising parkour in Castle Park on Tuesday lunchtime.

One of the young men took three attempts to get a jump right; before being heartily congratulated by his mates when he finally nailed the landing.

It was the first day of the third UK lockdown. But will this latest lockdown – like the leap – be third time lucky?

‘Bring on 2021’ reads a display still in the window of Harvey Nics in Cabot Circus. This was not what the marketing team had in mind.

Shoppers were still milling about in nearby Broadmead, busker Rob Burn was still singing and playing his tambourine, but the roads were already noticeably quieter one day before the latest lockdown regulations become law.

In the Tesco on Cathedral Walk in the Harbourside, there were still dozens of meal-deal sandwiches still for sale on the shelves in the late afternoon. When the nearby offices are full of workers, the queue at lunchtime often snakes around the entire shop.

Back in Broadmead, the former H&M on Union Street is due to become a Lidl. But right now, one of its doorways provides good protection for a sleep pod used by a rough sleeper.

On the centre, Ka:Fei was still serving coffee from their shipping container.

A few hundred yards away, a poster for Les Miserables is still attached above the Hippodrome, advertising a show that was due to take place from April 7 2020, just just a fortnight after the first lockdown began.

Beneath it, a newer poster announces that Robin Hood is being performed at the theatre from February 6 to 21 2021. But with the third lockdown not due to end until mid-February at the earliest, this also looks unlikely to happen.

Bristol Hippodrome’s box office is currently being refurbished – photo: Martin Booth

South of the river, North Street had a ghostly feel on the first day of the third lockdown.

A few parents walked with their young children, past closed signs and shut doors, with the quiet only interrupted by the occasional rumble of a passing car.

With the new lockdown restrictions not coming into law until Wednesday, some businesses were welcoming in a final few customers. While Toyville had shut its doors, Sweven opposite continued to serve takeaway coffee while it still could.

Most of the non-essential shops on North Street were already closed on Tuesday – photo: Lowie Trevena

East Street was a bit busier than North Street, but most shops were still closed – with only the likes of Wilko, East Street Fruit Market, the opticians and Savers open.

The distinctive smell of Subway wafted down the road, while a small queue formed outside the still-open Greggs. Despite these huddles of people, the main shopping street was distinctively quiet.

East Street is quiet – photo: Lowie Trevena

Prior to prime minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Monday evening, a queue had already formed outside ASDA. On the first day of the lockdown, the panic buyers had dissipated and the supermarket was no busier than normal.

Nearby, on Catherine Mead Street, was a sign of the weeks ahead. All was still on the residential road, with just a postman walking along the pavement. It looks to be a quiet few months ahead.

The odd Christmas tree awaits collection on Church Road – photo by Ellie Pipe

A couple of bare Christmas trees awaited collection on Church Road in Redfield in a familiar early January scene for a year that has started unlike any other.

It was just after 3pm on Tuesday afternoon but the only sound to be heard at nearby Summerhill Infant School was the low rumble of traffic on the road outside, with the classrooms closed to all but children of key workers and those who are vulnerable.

An hour or so earlier up on Troopers Hill, walkers and runners tried valiantly to avoid the mud on well-worn tracks as they made the most of a glimpse of winter sun during their daily allocated exercise.

Runners and walkers make the most of some winter sun on Troopers Hill – photo: Ellie Pipe

Back on Church Road, it was business as usual for many shops as people, wrapped up against the January chill, popped in and out for supplies.

Green lights shone at the entrance to Tesco and Aldi, the long queues that signified the first lockdown seemingly a thing of the past.

Staff could be seen hard at work through the windows of independents such as Amity Cycles and The Bristol Loaf, but other businesses had their shutters down as they wait out yet another prolonged closure.

While it’s business as usual for many Church Road businesses, others have been forced to close again – photo: Ellie Pipe

Turning right off Whitehall Road – quiet but for a steady stream of traffic – a lone figure wandered past the Plough. The pub currently stands empty, although Sunday roasts can be ordered for takeaway or delivery.

Easton Community Centre opposite was also deserted, a sign on the door stating the premises is currently closed to the public in line with government guidelines.

Past quiet residential streets and play parks, where a small handful of children were making the most of being able to play outside, there was a steady bustle of activity on St Mark’s Road.

One person waited outside the hatch of Bristol Sweet Mart’s deli section to collect their food, while masked shoppers headed inside for their groceries and a driver beeped impatiently at the vehicle in front.

The shuttered windows of venues such as Swagatam on the corner and the Thali are some of the only signs things are any different on this little stretch of BS5.

Rainbows in windows on St Mark’s Road on the first day of the third national lockdown – photo: Ellie Pipe

Reporting by Ellie Pipe, Lowie Trevena and Martin Booth. Main photo and video: Martin Booth

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