Thirsty Britons have been queueing since the early hours outside their locals anxiously awaiting the reopening of pubs.
Under the Government’s ‘road map’ to freedom, restaurants, bars and pubs in England were allowed to welcome back customers from 12am.
Monday marks the first significant easing of lockdown restrictions, with large parts of the economy given the green light to resume services such as non-essential shops, hairdressers and gyms.
Despite freezing temperatures sweeping across the country, it did not deter many from getting dressed up and braving the cold for their first night out in months.
Some drinkers were so keen to sink their first pub pint since December that they queued up long before pubs opened their doors at the stroke of midnight.
A lengthy line of excited punters wrapped up in thick coats was seen outside The Oak Inn in Coventry moments before the Covid-19 restrictions legally lifted.
The pub served up food like pizzas, kebabs and burgers to keep customers happy until 6am, when their license orders them to close.
In Newcastle, people were seen having a laugh with friends over a pint into the early hours at the Switch bar, where staff served drinks through an app.
Meanwhile, groups of six headed to the Kentish Belle in Bexley Heath, south-east London, before it opened its doors at midnight.
Under the Government rules, customers no longer are required to buy a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol and last year’s curfew will not return.
But they must remain seated while eating and drinking and will be limited to groups of no more than six.
Others had different priorities and wanted to make sure their lockdown barnets were sorted before enjoying a night on the town.
Secret Spa was one of several beauty businesses offering mobile overnight services and headed to a client’s home in Balham, south London, at the stroke of midnight.
Co-owner Emily Ewart-Perks said: ‘It’s so amazing. It’s just been such a long time coming.
‘I know that our therapists are just so happy to be working with clients again.’
Client, Amy Pallister, said it had been around eight months since her last appointment.
She said: ‘A bit of self-care and pampering definitely makes you feel better, so I’m really looking forward to getting back into the pub gardens and feeling a bit more like myself, rather than being cooped up indoors.’
The reopening of hospitality businesses is part of a series of restrictions lifting today as part of the Government’s second stage of Covid-19 restrictions easing.
Non-essential shops, hairdressers, salons, gyms, swimming pools and outdoor attractions have also got the green light to resume services.
Self-catered holidays within England and Wales will also be permitted, as travel between the two countries is now allowed.
This means families will be able to get away to a private cottage, caravan or campsite from today will be able to do so with members of their household or bubble.
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