Dismay as Britain faces up to prospect of new coronavirus lockdown

Boris Johnson under pressure as virus flares and experts despair at opportunities wasted during the summer

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With the days shortening and the prospect of a tighter local lockdown imminent, there was understandable dismay among residents and business owners in London on Saturday. Outside Blade Hairclubbing, on Frith Street, Soho, three hairdressers waited for clients who may never come. On a normal day, they might get 10 customers but only three were booked in.

Until lockdown, the salon had a downstairs bar and customers were served drinks in crystal glasses. But we can't run the bar now," said owner Julia Despot-Olofsson. We can only serve water."