Joy at Games triumph... then horror at bombings

Licensees in and around Stratford are expected to see a big lift in trade during Olympic fortnight. But the bomb attacks cast a long shadow over celebrations, as Jo de Mille discovers

James Eales, leaseholder of the King Edward VII, Stratford:

'We're over the moon, it will be great to see the area undergo a regeneration programme. Property prices in the area will also be boosted, so everyone's very happy about that.

'As a Grade-I listed building, I think the tourists will love visiting a real East End pub during the Olympics. We're just hoping that our rates aren't too much higher.

'There was a different atmosphere yesterday (Thursday) after the bombs went off, but being British as we are, we'll soldier on. I hate to say it, but I think we all knew it was our turn, really.

'Trade-wise, we had a very good day. Lots of people couldn't get to work, so they spent the day in the pub.

Barbara Hague, manager, the Grapes, Limehouse:

'I'm ecstatic, but it's completely been overshadowed by the events of yesterday. We were all thrilled to bits on Wednesday about the huge amount of financial support the area will get for the regeneration, but the mood is a lot more sombre now.

'The street here is part of the gentrification of the area, but further out towards Bow and Hackney it's very poor. It will be fantastic to see the area redeveloped, and I'm looking forward to the business it might bring me, as well as an improved transport system.

'However, the Games are still seven years away, so let's see the Government put their money where their mouth is.

Tony Francis, manager of the Plume of Feathers, Greenwich:

'We're delighted with the result of the Olympics. From a commercial point of view it will be excellent we should get a lot of extra people coming through the door. Greenwich Park is going to be used for all sorts of equestrian events, so that will be good for trade.

'We're still celebrating the Olympics people gathered here in large numbers last night after their epic walks home. I think they were all in need of a pint by then. The bombs going off were a shock to us all, but everyone was absolutely resolute that we should carry on as normal.

'The mood was a bit sombre, however we were still happy about the Olympics. Greenwich is a very touristy area, but the Games will bring a lot more trade. The one problem could be parking restrictions I hope there aren't too many.

'Transport will be our main concern, that the Government manages to put proper public transport in place in the area.

Joyce Bennett, owner of the Eclipse, Lower Clapton, East London:

'Yesterday's events certainly changed the mood after the Olympics result we've all been glued to the telly since yesterday morning.

'Before it all happened we were quite excited about the Olympics, our customers were talking about it a lot and they all seemed very happy. But the mood has definitely changed now. We didn't think about the Olympics at all yesterday, there were so many other things to think about.

'We're all optimistic, though, about the regeneration programmes they're promising.

Ziggy Ahmed

Loco

Haxey

Doncaster

'There was just a feeling of shock basically. A lot of people were saying that it was only a matter of time before we got hit. Just a matter of when and not if. In the evening we turned the TV off because people actually wanted to get away from it all. There wasn't any effect on business and actually we were really busy but I don't think that had anything to do with it really. It was a strange week.

Rachel Bickerton

The Duke of York

Bristol

'It was very quiet in the bar. Much quieter than we usually are. We don't have any TVs, but it was the only thing that people were really talking about. Everyone was shocked and absolutely appalled by what happened. I just can't believe that people can do such things to others. It's terrible.

Mike Fallon

The Wheatsheaf Barrow-in-Furness

'There was an atmosphere of shock and disbelief which grew as the afternoon wore on and the news got worse. We had the news on TV throughout the day in the pub which was very busy for a normal Thursday. Security is very much on the minds of people in Barrow with nuclear submarines still being built in the town where the base dominates the local skyline.