Today's show is going to be a little bit different.

Last weekend, businesses all around the country opened their doors again for the first time since March.

One of our producers, Asier Fuchs,

spent the last week following three iconic businesses

on one street in London's East End, a cafe, a pub and a barber shop.

You're listening to stories of our times from the Times and the Sunday Times.

I'm Mann Veen Rana, but fortunately you won't be hearing much from me.

Today, open for business. you won't be hearing much from me.

Today, open for business on to take it off. We're neatly ready to open.

Morning.

I don't think we're still like here. I'm a producer on this part.

I'm a producer.

I'm a producer on this podcast and I live in Bethnal Green. Our first

stop is E. Pelichi, a tiny Italian cafe that serves a great English breakfast.

We can't wait again then love the foods, you know.

Yeah, so good.

That was what it sounded like just before 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Anna Serino and her brother Nevio Polici have been holding down the fort during the pandemic.

The people queuing up outside are regulars.

There's Norman. Oh yes, it's good to be back. It's good to be home. He's 80 and he ordered spaghetti for breakfast. Oh, absolutely.

Palicis has been around for over a century

and it's been around for over a century and it's been run by the same family throughout.

...