A Night Out

After over two weeks of isolation, and staying home and saving lives, we decided that we deserved a break and were due a night out. A small reward for the effort that we had put in over the past fourteen days. Besides, it had been a while since we’d worn anything other than t-shirts and shorts - even that was an improvement over the first few days where we never ventured far from pyjamas. It would be nice to dress up for a change and have a change of scene.

Even the process of putting on a shirt felt like an occasion. Gone were the old work branded t-shirts and in came a collar and long sleeves. No more could I claim that I was smartly dressed because the t-shirt I had on was relatively clean and didn’t have that many stains down the front. 

But where could we go? Thankfully we happened to know that there was a neighbourhood bar that was open and it had a very cosy courtyard. It was settled.

This bar has a very select clientele and have been known to be quite fussy over who they let in. You won’t find listed in any guides so entry is on a need to know basis. Luckily, we know the owners so admission was never going to be a problem. We walked through the reception area and found a small table out the back and settled down.

It is a very informal establishment - they even let you help yourselves to the drinks behind the bar. Admittedly it wasn’t a huge beer selection - the owner explained that since the lockdown, it’s been much harder to get the selection that we had become accustomed to - but the quality of the selection made up for the lack of range. I picked up two Moa Southern Alps beers and returned to the table.

It was really nice to sit surrounded by candles, sipping cold beers whilst the early autumn light slowly faded. And for a moment it felt almost normal. Gosh was that really only two weeks ago? How much we had taken for granted. Best not to dwell on it too much - this was supposed to be a celebration.

Beer and wine drunk, it was time to find somewhere to eat. Ordinarily Newmarket is awash with places to eat on a Friday night; pizza places, Mexican restaurants, mediterranean tapas and good pub fare are all within walking distance. But the lockdown means that they’re off limits. We’d heard a rumour that there was a place serving greek food not far from the bar so decided to give it a go. Well what other options were there? 

By the time we arrived the smell of mediterranean spices was already filling the evening air. A complimentary greek salad had been placed on the table and a few bowls of snacks had been laid out. It was almost as we’d been expected! Again, because of the current situation, options were limited to one dish. The chef explained that whilst there was only one dish on the menu, the chicken had been marinating all afternoon in a lime and coriander dressing and he promised that it would be mouthwatering. It sounded perfect.

We chatted and drank a glass of the house sauvignon blanc whilst remarking how quiet it was but how lucky we were to find this place. Even the music choice we excellent - it was almost as if we’d picked it ourselves. We’d definitely have to tell others about this place - once the restrictions were lifted of course!

The food was ready quickly and, as promised, delicious. The marinated chicken was zingy from the lime and it was served with a yoghurt and humus dressing and came with pita breads. With food this good, only having one choice on the menu was no problem.

Food eaten and wine drunk, it was time to meander home. We wanted to stay longer, not for more food or wine, but to savour the feeling of normality for as long as possible. Begrudgingly we got up from the table, thanked the chef for a lovely meal and headed to the comfort of our lounge. At least we didn’t have far to walk to get home. I guess that’s the advantage of staying local. Very local!