From 15 June, all non-essential retail businesses are allowed to reopen to the public as long as they are COVID-secure and have ensured their shop is safe for customers. Although many of Southampton's shops will start to reopen their doors, some may decide to remain closed until they are ready to open. You can still buy online for home delivery, so why not indulge in a little virtual retail therapy, be it for fashion, gadgets, beauty or entertainment.
As well all the national retailers and big brands you’d normally find in the city centre, it’s worth checking if you can order online at your favourite independent store, for example, W.J. French & Son for shoes or Vinilo for a new vinyl record release.
*Update* As more shops will be opening in the coming weeks, we recommend that you check with the individual retailers to find out their opening hours.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes are currently all temporarily closed, with the exception of those offering takeaway collection or delivery options, in line with Government guidance. You can still get your favourite Friday night takeaway from the likes of Roosters Piri Piri, Co-Sushi, Neds Noodle Bar, Bayleaf Kitchen and KFC (restricted menu).
Many businesses across the city are making their menus available for you to either collect, following social distancing measures or through a delivery service. Five Guys, Docks Coffee, Belgium and Blues, XOXO, Dancing Man Brewery are practising safe click and collect services whilst The Black Phoenix, Ottoman Kitchen, Beity, The Mayflower Village, La Tavernettea, The Art House and Coffee Lab are now delivering in-house or through an external service as well.
Check food delivery services such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat for more places in Southampton that are still delivering.
Banana Wharf is running a ‘Community Stall’ which will be open outside the restaurant Wednesday - Saturday from 10am-2pm selling essentials for those in the community who need it as well as offering dishes from the restaurant to take away. They are also selling Calor Gas for barbeques, coffee to takeaway and have partnered up with Hoxton Bakehouse to sell their freshly baked sourdough bread. For more information head to their Facebook page.
Staying at home doesn't mean you have to quit your exercise regime - gyms, leisure centres and personal trainers are bringing the workouts to you through live social media videos, apps and websites dedicated to fitness!
Active Nation - download the Active Nation App for over 1,000 workout programme, suitable for all ages and abilities and is FREE for everyone.
The Gym Group - check out their Facebook page for live classes everyday covering from yoga and meditation to abs-blast and lower body classes. Members can also download The Gym App to record their workouts, make goals and take part in challenges.
The Southampton ABP Marathon has gone virtual! For all those who have signed up to the ABP marathon (full, half or 10km) can take part in a virtual race. Complete your chosen distance between now and 31 July, send ABP your results and receive your winner's t-shirt. Anyone who hasn't signed up can still get involved so there are no excuses! Find out more here.
It isn't clear when our fantastic cultural venues can open again in Southampton but businesses across the city have bought their events, exhibitions, talks, shows, activities and lectures to you! Our cultural offering in Southampton is next to none and we want to carry on connecting, sharing and engaging with you.
Head to our Southampton From Your SOfa page and explore Southampton from the comfort of your own home. From podcasts and puzzles to concerts and courses there is something suited to everyone.
Now more than ever, there are lots of free materials available online for you and your family to do whilst staying at home. See our Southampton highlights below.
You can also view a full list of online education resources on the Government website here.
If you have an upcoming present to buy or simply want to treat yourself then why not buy a gift card/voucher either to spend online or to save for a future date?
Many eateries, spas and beauty salons offer gift cards as well as retailers, entertainment venues and experience/activity providers. Westquay sell gift cards which last 12 months and are valid in the vast majority of its stores. Buying a gift card is also a great way to support businesses in this difficult time.
Places like Ottoman Kitchen are fundraising money to help them get through this difficult period by offering a reward voucher scheme. You can donate money in return for Ottoman credits which can be spent when the restaurant reopens. For example, donate £25 and get a £35 voucher - its a win win! Click here to find out more.
Support your favourite Southampton attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops by taking the time to leave a review of your most recent visit on TripAdvisor, Facebook, Google etc.