Park bench reunions with one other person allowed under England lockdown easing

Normally we think of benches in open spaces as somewhere to take a brief rest during a walk or jog, possibly next to a stranger. There might be the added excitement of a small plaque in remembrance of an elderly devotee of whichever park you are in.

But as of today in England people are allowed to meet one other person outdoors for a coffee or some food for the first time since the third lockdown was announced in December.

And, as we found out in Manchester, with al fresco dining still not possible at pubs and cafes, the park bench has become a go-to venue.