Where Are The Riders In England? April 2021
At INSHUR, we’re always looking for ways to help Uber drivers. With the COVID-19 lockdown, identifying reliable rider hotspots and pickup locations in England has been a challenge for private hire drivers. With steps being made to leave lockdown and the weather improving, we’re bringing back your monthly low-down on where you can find riders to increase your trips and earnings.
The following information is correct at the time of writing on 7th April 2021. Before you head out, be sure to check the latest on local restrictions from official government sources.
Where Are The Riders in England?
From 12th April 2021, non-essential retail will be opening in England, with outdoor hospitality venues opening, including pub gardens, zoos and theme parks.
Check out our handy guide for Uber drivers of key dates for lockdown easing in England. The government’s full detailed list of all changes coming in on 12th April can be found here.
What About the Rest of the UK?
While all countries within the UK are working towards easing the current lockdown, government rules do vary, with outdoor hospitality and events opening up at the end of April for both Scotland and Wales.
Scotland
There aren’t many events in Scotland throughout April due to the fact that Scotland’s roadmap out of lockdown will be allowing shops, gyms, libraries, museums, galleries and tourist accommodation to reopen no earlier than 26th April. Mainland Scotland and some islands are currently at Level 4 with guidance to stay local. The Level 4 rules include the following:
- You must stay local – within your own council area (except for essential reasons like going to work or visiting your extended household).
- You can meet in groups of up to 4 people from 2 households outdoors.
- Young people aged 12 to 17 can meet outdoors in groups of up to 4 from separate households.
Wales
The situation is similar in Wales. While non-essential retail and close-contact services are due to reopen on 12th April, outdoor attractions and hospitality is set to reopen no earlier than 26th April (to be confirmed at the 22nd April government review). Click here for the latest guidance in Wales and information on what will be changing on 12th April.
For this reason, this month’s ‘Where Are the Riders’ focuses on where you can pick up and drop off passengers in England.
Ramadan
Muslims throughout the country will be celebrating Ramadan this month, which is expected to begin on Monday 12th April, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca. Lasting for 30 days, Ramadan will end on Tuesday 11th May 2021, with Eid al-Fitr starting on Wednesday 12th May or Thursday 13th May.
From 8th March, places of worship in England have been able to open on the basis that they conduct an assessment of risk based on their capacity. While most mosques are open, they will likely be open for limited numbers and shorter services, with registration being required to attend prayers. This includes the Ramadan night-time prayers known as Taraweeh.
It’s expected that early morning, pre-fasting meals (suhur) and post-fasting evening meals (iftar) will mainly be served at home rather than at mosques. We recommend Uber drivers look up when worship will be taking place at their local mosques as these could be good sites for pick-ups throughout April and early May.
Where: Mosques throughout England
When: 12th April to 12th or 13th May
London Hotspots
Hyde Park, Regents Park and London’s other big parks
From 29th March, six people (or two households) are permitted to meet outdoors and, with the weather getting sunnier, you can expect Londoners to be taking full advantage of this opportunity to picnic in the park.
Where: London parks
When: From 29th March
Insider’s Scoop: We’ve all got very used to having our groceries and essentials delivered to us over the past year, which is why Time Out is predicting that 2021 will be the year we’ll be having our meals and snacks delivered to the park. Thinking of using your vehicle to deliver food? INSHUR now offers fast and easy insurance for couriers and food delivery drivers.
Shakespeare’s Globe
London’s iconic theatre may not be reopening for performances until 19th May, but that won’t stop Londoners from getting some culture in the meantime. Shakespeare’s Globe will be open from 13th April for theatre tours, so expect some activity around that part of the Southbank in the mornings and early afternoons.
Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
When: From 13th April
Times: Tours are running at 10am, 11am and 12pm daily
Insider’s scoop: The Globe’s first performance back will be the hugely popular A Midsummer Night’s Dream, so it could be a good place for picking up trips on opening night (19th May)!
Manchester Events
Manchester Rum Festival 2021
The rescheduled date of this sold-out rum event is Saturday 17th April. The festival features rums from across the world, cocktails, food and live music in one of Manchester’s hidden gems, Viadux.
Where: Viadux, Albion St, Manchester, M1 5NZ
When: Saturday 17th April
Times: All day
Insider’s scoop: This event is back for its fourth year and has already sold out – and with many of its visitors drinking rum, we predict plenty of people will be looking for an Uber to get home safely!
Birmingham Events
The Social Cheese Fest 2021
Cheese-lovers will be heading to The Bond Company in Birmingham to enjoy cheese, drinks and live music at a social distance.
Where: The Bond Company, 180-182 Fazeley St, Birmingham, B5 5SE
When: 17th and 18th April
Times: All day
Insider’s scoop: Visitors have booked tables to this sold-out event in advance, so it could be a great spot for pick-ups.
The Garden Bar at The Big Birmingham Bake
One of Birmingham’s largest bar gardens is opening at The Big Birmingham Bake to bring family and friends together in a COVID-safe outdoor setting in April and May. The venue offers food, drink and free cake and also heaters and blankets for night time drinks, so expect some ride requests in the evenings and on colder days, too!
Where: The Big Birmingham Bake, 110 Floodgate St, Deritend, Birmingham, B5 5SR
When: Every Friday to Sunday from April 16th
Times: All day
Insider’s scoop: The 3,000 square foot outdoor covered bar and garden will be able to hold a lot of visitors – and some days are fully booked already!
Sources:
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/london-events-in-april
https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/london-by-month/april
https://www.muslimaid.org/what-we-do/religious-dues/when-is-ramadan/
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/ramadan-2021-rules-uk-lockdown-20171639
https://www.designmynight.com/birmingham/whats-on/best-events-in-april
https://www.designmynight.com/manchester/whats-on/best-events-in-april
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/scotland-roadmap-easing-lockdown-2021-b1821576.html
