IT HAS been almost three weeks since hundreds of shops, pubs and cafes reopened their doors for their first time this year – but many business owners say they are still facing an uncertain future. On April 12, hairdressers, pubs and gyms reopened, and non-essential retailers were once again allowed to welcome customers through their doors. Big chains such as Primark and TKMaxx enjoyed booming sales during the first week of reopening, but many smaller, independent businesses in Brighton are still waiting for the post-lockdown surge.
Grahame Ross, owner of stationary shop Pen to Paper Grahame Ross, owner of stationary shop Pen to Paper in Sydney Street, took over the business just six months before lockdown.
A FORMER receptionist has shared her magical memories of a long lost hotel in Skelmorlie which boasted a sprung dance floor, grand swimming pool and stunning views of the Clyde. Mary Law, 70, says that her heart was broken when the Skelmorlie Hydro was knocked down in the 1990s. It was an innovation for its time when it was built by Dr Ronald Currie during the Victorian era, with Turkish and saltwater baths and an elevator which shuttled people from Shore Road to the hotel up the cliff face. Mary has kept original paperwork from the hotel in 1971 - the year of decimalisation - which shows the hotel prices of the period, with a double room costing the princely sum of £3.10 per night during the peak in summer.