You might reasonably ask why a task as simple as buying a loaf takes so long.
Surely, it’s a question of running into the bakery, asking for a white sourdough, tapping your card against the machine, and exiting.
Especially as it’s one-in, one-out, and any lingering means those on the pavement outside will be kicking their heels for even longer.
But here’s the thing: starved as we are of out-of-the-home stimulation, few can resist the temptation to linger, to take in the sights and especially the smells of fresh-baked bread, to expand the conversation with the person behind the counter beyond the simple request for a loaf.
Food and drink is key to our hopes of socialising once again eveningnews24.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eveningnews24.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.