Let’s go outside

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Our resident blogger Lucy Young @_Oceancityliving shops with local Plymouth businesses to help make the most of lockdown loosening.

Let’s face it, for most of us, March 29 couldn’t come soon enough. After months of being cooped up indoors with pretty much zero social life over the dark, gloomy winter it feels so good to finally get outside for more than just a walk around the block with the people you live with.

The return of some fabulous sunny weather this week has been perfectly timed too so hopefully by now we’ve all had the chance to enjoy some (socially distanced) outdoor time with friends, colleagues and loved ones.

Now restrictions have been lifted to allow the rule of six or two households to meet up outdoors we can look forward to Easter weekend and beyond with some newly found freedom. And boy does that freedom feel good…

So, whether it’s garden gatherings, picnics with pals or some al fresco fitness fun you’re after I’ve found some great ideas to get out there and make the most of lockdown loosening.

And what better way to celebrate getting together again than with a glorious garden party. All the essential supermarkets and food shops have seriously upped their game this year with their ranges of picnic ware, furniture and outdoor accessories. Check out the likes of Marks and Spencer in Drake Circus, B&M, opening a new Cornwall Street store on 14 April and Wilko in the Armada Centre for some on-trend and affordable ideas. And with the British summertime being a little unpredictable you might want to invest in extra blankets, a gazebo or fire pit to keep the party going outside until we’re allowed visitors indoors again.

But if you want to go a bit extra this year to welcome back garden guests in style then look no further than Little Luxe Tipi who have some truly amazing new bell tents offering the ultimate bespoke glamping experience.

The dream sleepover company have recently branched out into outdoor events and can create the perfect party at home with beautifully styled canvas tents strewn with comfortable cushions and lounge beds. Mother and daughter team Teresa and Bianca have teamed up with a variety of other Plymouth-based businesses to provide some luxury add-ons, such as delicious grazing boxes from La Bouche Food, amazing balloon garlands from All That Sparkles Events, bespoke biscuits and bakes from Bethany’s Bakes plus luxe picnic set ups, sweetie stations, giant lawn games, kids crafts and more.

Glastonbury might not be on this year, but you can still create a mini festival-style Glast-home-bury, a grown-up girl’s night or a perfect picnic for six with the help of Little Luxe Tipi who are taking bookings from early April.

And if this weather holds then who knows, it might be time to fire up the BBQ and get some beers in from one of the city’s bespoke breweries who deliver right to your door. Try ordering from Roam, Bulletproof or Steel Brew Co who all produce their own craft ales and lagers, or independent beer shop Vessel, all offering online ordering for local delivery across the city. So you can get your party started and still support local businesses without leaving the house.

But if venturing out to meet friends is more appealing after months spent at home, or you don’t have a garden space to socialise in, a picnic with pals could be the answer. No need to settle for a limp sandwich or a soggy sausage roll though. The clever people at Good Grazey create beautifully presented and deliciously designed sharing platters that are perfect for outdoor get togethers. Specialising in deli-style artisan produce, Good Grazey have compiled a special Party of Six box to coincide with the new Phase One rules coming into play.

Packed full of locally sourced goodies including cheeses, crackers, fresh fruits and veggies, local charcuterie meats or hummus and falafels with artisan chocolates and a bottle of bubbly thrown in; what more could you want to celebrate getting your besties back together again. You can also book Good Grazey for larger events such as weddings and corporate dos, who work with The Natural Hire Company to deliver beautifully-styled bespoke occasions.

Picnics in the park just got a whole lot posher too with the return of Afternoon Tea Boxes from Just Like Mumma’s. The generous single box or even larger tea for two contains a scrumptious selection of sandwiches and savouries, brownies, cakes and biscuits as well as some seriously well-sized scones. The only thing you and your tea date need to decide is whether to put the jam or cream on first.

Afternoon Tea Boxes are available to order for collection only on Saturday 17 April at Just Like Mumma’s brand new Bakehouse premises at Faraday Mill, opening on 2 April. Or you could opt for a Classic Cake Away selection of traybakes or pop in for a sweet treat to share al fresco with friends.

But it’s not just fantastic food and drink that is back on the menu…outdoor group exercise can now take place and you’re spoilt for choice in our oceanside city for stunning venues to work out in. The Royal William Yard has a range of classes and clubs that have now restarted in the beautiful waterfront Georgian setting.

South West SUP are offering starter lessons, journeys, yoga, parties and retreats as well as sunrise and sunset sessions and full-moon adventures at Firestone Bay. Ace Swimming are also back with some distance time trial dates throughout the summer as well as outdoor group fitness sessions on Saturdays and Sundays during April.

Ashtanga Yoga with Karen also returns for outdoor balancing and revitalising sessions at the Yard and there is plenty of open space to relax and play in if you want to run, walk, cycle or swim with friends again.

And if you’ve built up an appetite after all that exertion, there are plenty of takeaway food options at the Yard, including Bistrot Rapide, a refurbished red Citroen H van found on the lawn opposite Bistrot Pierre, serving hot drinks, baguettes, cakes and pastries, The Shack at Firestone Arches open for organic coffee, locally sourced sweet and savoury snacks, as well as vegan and gluten free options, barista brewed beverages from Ocean Studios café and luxurious hot chocolates and indulgent brownies from Domeafavour Chocolate.

It may have been a long time coming, but we’re all more than ready to get outside and be reunited with the people and places we love. And from 12 April, all being well, we could be shopping, beautifying, dining out and drinking in even more of what the city has to offer.

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Funded by the Reopening High Street Safely Fund, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government