Historical Note: 2020 Lockdown Christmas

In December 2020, the country was locked down as the Government ordered the closure of all stores due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Only food stores and chemists were allowed to open. Most people stayed at home, but those who didn't found eerily empty streets,a strange atmosphere and a prevalent black English humour. There were restaurants - big and small - selling meals to be eaten outside, meaning streets were relatively busy with socially-distancing people eating on pavements, while food halls of places like Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods did a surprisingly brisk trade that few were aware of. 

Here's some photos taken at that time. 

December 2020: A deserted Burlington Arcade and Piccadilly & two people at the Christmas Tree Trafalgar Square.

Marylebone High Road: Dinner on the pavement

Westfield Stratford 

Westfield Stratford 

Westfield Stratford 

Leicester Square in lockdown

All photos: B.Blagg