London eateries fret as 'going out' goes out of style

London's Brixton Village market is usually bustling with people eating out.

Although the hospitality sector reopened across England on July 4, you're not going to struggle to get a table now.

Trepidation among consumers has seen many owners left wondering if they'll go out of business before people come back.

The owner of Etta's Seafood Kitchen Etta Burrell is only able to welcome a tiny fraction of her usual diners.

"People's habits have changed. I think a lot of people, as well, are cooking more at home. And I just think, you know, everyone is a little bit scared because they don't know exactly what's going to happen."

With social distancing restricting customer numbers, business owners need to fill more tables earlier in the week.

And there's little sign of that happening, despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plea for people to get out and spend.

One poll on the day restrictions were lifted showed 52% of people believed pubs, bars and restaurants were reopening too soon.

However one pub in Hackney in east London is as busy as ever, according to Lydia Harrison who works there.

"Some people are more cautious than others. I've had some people who want to sit outside and not inside. But yeah it seems really busy."

The casual dining sector had been suffering from overcapacity even before businesses were shuttered.

In a bid to get more people through restaurant doors at off-peak times, the government's launched a multi-million pound discount scheme, offering half-priced meals from Monday to Wednesday in August.

There's also been a cut to sales tax to 5% from 20% for eat-in or hot takeaway food from restaurants, cafes and pubs.