hen the nation was plunged into lockdown on 23 March, we all collectively began to while away the days and distract ourselves from the harrowing statistics in suspiciously similar ways as the world appeared to collapse around us. Google searches for banana bread recipes soared and a previously little-known tiger obsessive named Carole Baskin dominated our social feeds. Plus, many people who really shouldn’t have been attempting TikTok dances, attempted TikTok dances.
The loosening of restrictions from 23 June meant the monotony could ease too, as socialising with small groups outside was back on the cards and, come July, we could once more visit restaurants and pubs, cinemas and galleries. And so it was that the sourdough starters were left to go off and Joe Wicks retired his daily PE lessons.
But, as we find ourselves in the midst of a new set of tiered restrictions according to our city, and with a possible fourth tier hanging over us, our choice of social activities has dwindled. What’s more, this time round the shorter days and beginnings of baltic temperatures, mean that unless we invest heavily in apres skiwear for everyday use, we may have no choice but to make staying home the new going out.
As another lockdown looms for many, here are the activities we predict will fill the void the second time round.
Cinnamon buns are the new banana bread
In times of crisis, we often turn to cooking as a way to take back control. Add to this the mindful properties of baking and the simplicity of banana bread, and its success in phase one was a no-brainer. While Google searches are still surging for the best banana bake, surely we’re ready for a more complex sweet treat to take precedence? When it comes to feeling cosy and comforted, the Danish do it best – hence why we all obsessed over Hygge a few years back. So, for the second wave, surely their sticky, sweet Cinnamon rolls are the answer to our sugar cravings? With almost as many tags on Instagram (1.4m) as banana bread (1.7) and with over 70 per cent of us turning to social media and away from cookbooks for our culinary inspiration, it’s looking to be the basic bake du jour (if you get the cheat versions).