The highs & lows of lockdown life with the Santos family!

100 Days of lockdown!

When the lockdown was first announced we were absolutely devastated! We have worked so hard to build a successful business, and to be forced to close our doors through no fault of our own was heartbreaking.

I’m not going to lie, there were tears, but we quickly focused ourselves and launched Jorge’s to Go within 5 day! (That was a tough week 😫) It’s been such a pleasure to deliver your weekly treats and to see your smiley faces from a safe distance. We have very much enjoyed reading all your lovely messages and we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us throughout this very difficult time.

Now for the good stuff!!!!

As a family, we don’t get much time together because Jorge is at the Restaurant most of the time! It has been wonderful to have so much precious time to spend together. We have tried to make the most of it and have been so grateful for the amazing warm weather, it almost feels like we are back in Portugal!

Our favourite things to do during lockdown are:

Family time outside: For the first few months we went on a short bike ride or walk nearly every day. We have a small garden and a very energetic 7-year-old. We have loved getting out as a family, teaching Lexi how to bike on the road. We have really enjoyed watching the tadpoles at Waterloo Park turn into frogs. You probably don’t know Jorge is excellent at climbing trees and he has been teaching Lexi to do the same! (Mummy isn’t so keen lol). We have been to the beach twice on dull days and it's almost been a private beach for us.

Our little piece of heaven: The garden has become our little piece of heaven during the lockdown, we have lots of garden games, so have enjoyed playing archery, making a mini-golf course, amongst lots of other games. We purchased a small paddling pool which is helped keep the little one entertained!

Food & Wine: Jorge has cooked us some exceptional meals during the lockdown, we have been totally spoilt! We have also enjoyed lots of takeaways! We have tried to support as many other local restaurants as we can when we have been closed. One of our favourites has been Shiki (Our daughter loves sushi) we have also enjoyed many meals from the Bengal spice and Drinks from the Rising Sun and then games on the common have become a special treat. With us both working Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we have been limited on trying food from other places but have been taking full advantage and taking home food from Jorge’s to Go for our dinner on those days. When we are feeling lazy after a hard shift, we put a few pizzas in the oven! Our daughter has been waiting up for us on a Saturday and we all eat together and enjoy a movie or watching something like Britain’s got Talent

Weird day...but cute

Lexi insisted she wanted to bring some happiness during lockdown, so she planned us a Wedding Day, we ordered takeaway, had a ceremony, she made stationery and some table decoration too and even baked cupcakes!

A typical day in the Santos house…

• Eleanor gets up first and the living room turns into the gymnasium (She’s a massive fan of Les Mills on Demand!

• Breakfast is next, usually something quick and easy to make

• The living room now transforms into Lexi’s home school! We do around 3 hours of schoolwork each day, it’s been fun, but also really hard work! She has improved so much but homeschooling and trying to work is almost impossible!!!! For those that have more than 1 kid... congratulations for staying alive 😂😂😂

• Next time to get some work done (Hard will an only child to entertain)

• Some fresh air, a walk in the park or bike ride when we have time

• A delicious family meal sitting outside whenever possible

• Evening time to relax or get the computers out and get some work done!

Make the most of it!

So, to summarise, Lockdown is definitely not something we would ever wish for. But we have definitely made the most of a bad situation and have enjoyed some really happy moments together! We are thankful our family, friends, and staff and safe at well at this time.

All that’s left to say is a massive thank you once again over this lockdown period! We are so excited to see you all again from the 4th July!

Take care,

Eleanor & Jorge

P.S. We have had to remove 4 tables from Jorge’s so reservations are limited and booking up quickly. Book online now before it’s too late or call Jorge on 0737 503 7479!

P.P.S. We have followed government guidelines throughout lockdown! The safety of our local community is of the utmost importance to us!