Focus on local: London pub emerges from lockdown with gusto

The coronavirus pandemic has laid siege to Britain's pubs so the latest easing of the lockdown, which allows them to reopen indoors, is hugely welcome

LONDON -- “You come here often?” There may be more creative chat-up lines, but surely few as universal. There is little doubt that after months of lockdown across the U.K., those looking to make an early impression may have become a little rusty. So, the Prince of Peckham pub in a hugely diverse district in southeast London decided, as part of its four-year birthday week, to take the pressure off its patrons. A speed-dating night would kick off its festivities. Pubs were allowed to welcome guests inside this week, part of the British government's plan to gradually reopen society following a sharp fall in new coronavirus infections.