Dine safe, dine fun

Izu Shaboten Zoo in Shizuoka, Japan, has turned to adorable stuffed animals for a fun way to observe safe distancing. The stuffed animals dining at the restaurant include red pandas and giraffes. The layout of the restaurant has also been adjusted to keep
Izu Shaboten Zoo in Shizuoka, Japan, has turned to adorable stuffed animals for a fun way to observe safe distancing. The stuffed animals dining at the restaurant include red pandas and giraffes. The layout of the restaurant has also been adjusted to keep customers a safe distance away from one another, the zoo said on its website on May 20. PHOTO: IZU SHABOTEN ZOO/FACEBOOK
Over in Bangkok, Thailand, cardboard dragons shaped after Bar-B-Q Plaza restaurant’s mascot watch on as diners tuck into their food. Thailand has lifted some of its coronavirus restrictions, but safe distancing is still required, especially in restaurants
Over in Bangkok, Thailand, cardboard dragons shaped after Bar-B-Q Plaza restaurant’s mascot watch on as diners tuck into their food. Thailand has lifted some of its coronavirus restrictions, but safe distancing is still required, especially in restaurants. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
To celebrate the easing of the country’s coronavirus lockdown, Cafe Rothe (above) in Schwerin, Germany, handed out pool noodle hats to patrons as a social-distancing enforcement gimmick.
To celebrate the easing of the country’s coronavirus lockdown, Cafe Rothe (above) in Schwerin, Germany, handed out pool noodle hats to patrons as a social-distancing enforcement gimmick. PHOTO: CAFE & KONDITOREI ROTHE/FACEBOOK
Mr Patrick O’Connell, chef of three-Michelin-starred restaurant The Inn At Little Washington, toasting theatrical mannequins dressed in striped suits or checkered dresses with pearl necklaces to evoke the post-war ambience of the 1940s.
Mr Patrick O’Connell, chef of three-Michelin-starred restaurant The Inn At Little Washington, toasting theatrical mannequins dressed in striped suits or checkered dresses with pearl necklaces to evoke the post-war ambience of the 1940s. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Only take-out service is allowed at bagel cafe Eltana (above) in Seattle in the United States, but paper cutouts of customers ensure its tables stay filled.
Only take-out service is allowed at bagel cafe Eltana (above) in Seattle in the United States, but paper cutouts of customers ensure its tables stay filled. PHOTO: REUTERS
Just some ladies out for a spot of afternoon tea at a cafe (above) in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Just some ladies out for a spot of afternoon tea at a cafe (above) in Vilnius, Lithuania. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

As countries lift lockdown restrictions amid the global coronavirus pandemic, restaurants from Asia to Europe are implementing safe distancing measures in fun and creative ways.

From stuffed toys to mannequins, The Sunday Times Picture Desk looks at how eateries are welcoming diners while adhering to the strict conditions for resuming business.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on May 31, 2020, with the headline Dine safe, dine fun. Subscribe