Restaurants around the world are grappling with the problem of how to open whilst adhering to physical distancing guidelines.

The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, a three-Michelin-star rated gaff, which reopened for dinners in its garden last night, has a novel idea for creating that special ambience when it can serve meals inside.

Mannequins, dressed in 1940s-style clothing, will sit at those tables which cannot be used by guests. A new take on a dumb waiter, you might say.

You could even lob bread rolls at them without fear of retaliation.

It could catch on.