Chillin' out on the patio in January: Customers still looking for night out during restrictions
On a chilly January night, the patio at Barney’s is lit up like a Christmas village, a continuation of a Christmas bar they had set up in December.
“We already had this set up with electric heaters, actual propane heaters from our Christmas bar, so we were just able to roll into outdoor seating and an outdoor patio,” says Aarren Butler, a manager at the popular Richmond Row establishment.
Customers have been coming in on a nightly basis
“You know, there’s not much else to do nowadays,” says Gordanna Kovacic. ”So we figured this would be a good place to go, it’s heated and we’re having a good time.”
Noah Montag adds, “It’s good to be able to go out somewhere and have another option, because obviously with indoor dining closed that limits your ability to socialize with people.”
In Wortley Village, a group celebrated a birthday on the patio at the Sweet Onion Bistro, which has created a comfortable space with heaters and fire bowls.
The move has allowed the bistro to open every night, even when the temperature has dipped to negative double digits
“It doesn't change, people are very interested in coming out. I think they're tired and they really want to come out and eat,” says Owner Cleopatara Camara, who’s manoeuvring during the on-again, off-again restrictions has paid off. The business is now expanding to a second location in Byron.
“We’re scheduled to open Feb. 1 If the government allows for that. If not, then we will be doing the same thing that we're doing here,” says Camara
And even with the government’s announcement of a return to 50 per cent capacity for indoor dining, Barney’s will still be offering the outdoor seating
“We will keep this open most likely,” says Butler. “It’ll be great for us, we’ll be ready for it on the 31st.”
In the event future restrictions are put in place, the last few weeks have shown customers are willing to go to great lengths to frequent these establishments, and any potential pivot to outdoor dining will allow for them to continue to operate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.