You’re sitting at the bar of your neighbourhood watering hole, a pint or a cool mojito in one hand, the other pulling at your mask to convey a straw to your lips. The straw’s no longer plastic, but the guy next to you is. Though somewhat overblown and one-dimensional, Sponge Bob is definitely not single-use. With social distancing now the only way to get around in public, you might declare him part of the circular economy. He could be your drinking pal. He can’t talk, but at least he can’t breathe on you.

In a new twist of the motto to never drink alone, placing balloon-like companions on empty bar stools is the brainchild of the owners of La Pepita restaurant in Barcelona. Not only does the place look fuller – even if it has more non-paying guests – no one will feel alone. And proprietor Sofia Boixet doesn’t have to toss out as many drunks. The space fillers have become so popular with lonely-heart patron that some have asked take Bob and his flexible friends home. Or even on holiday.