Businesses in a town in the Tyne Valley have welcomed back customers for food and drinks outdoors for the first time since lockdown restrictions eased.

Glorious sunny weather accompanied customers as they headed out for a meal or a drink, with several businesses being delighted to finally serve people outdoors following a long winter.

One of these was Claire Stratton of Beano’s Sandwich Bar, who said their opening day went extremely well.

“It was a bit nerve wrecking (this morning),” said Claire.  

“We were a bit nervous, but it’s been fine, especially with everyone adhering to it (the rules).

“It feels great actually!

We’ve been busy this morning,” she added.

“It’s just lovely hearing everyone and seeing everyone again.

“Everyone seems pleased that we’re back and we’ve had loads of lovely comments, so yeah it’s been absolutely brilliant!”

Claire also went on to add why she believed the business had a good opening day of welcoming customers back to sit outside.

“We’ve had a lot of support, she said.

“The street has been busy and rammed and the phone has hardly ever stopped!

“Everybody’s pleased for everybody else. We just want it back to how it was.

“We’re thrilled to bits to be back!

“It’s just lovely to hear everyone having a bit banter outside again. People have been saying how nice it is to be back too.”

Another location to welcome customers back was The Brew Bar, who from today have seen customers return outdoors.

Sam Jackson – who runs the bar with wife Ashleigh – echoed the general feeling of the street and said they have had a great start to life post-lockdown.

“It’s been really busy,” said Sam.  

“It’s nice to see lots of familiar faces back and it’s kind of like we’ve never been shut!

“It shows there’s a lot of loyalty in the town and it’s good!

“We couldn’t hope for a better day considering the weather we’ve had over the last couple of days too!

The Brew Bar staff had tried to predict the weather ahead of the big reopening on Monday, but Sam admitted he was delighted the fine conditions decided to make an appearance.

“We thought people would have to go into the marquee,” added Sam.

“But the sun hits the marketplace so we’ve been able to get out there. It’s been really busy!

“We encourage bookings but we obviously welcome walk ups too on a first come first served basis. “People are good, especially with the weather being good too.

“We’re trying to keep the front for walk ups as best as we can to help us manage it all.

“People might book and held up – just to keep everyone happy and do the best for everyone.

“At dinner time too, everyone has been having a pint with their lunch so I guess people have been desperate for a proper pint. We’ve had our coffee regulars too!

Sam also wanted to praise the people he has dealt with during the opening day of trade.

“It’s nice seeing something going on and enjoying themselves,” added Sam.

“People have been good with the rules – they understand what’s going on.

“I appreciate that because it makes our jobs a lot easier too.”

Another bar which on Monday was set to re-open it’s doors was the Black Bull, with manager Martin Campbell adding that he was hoping for a busy period of trade.

“We’ve had loads of people saying the pub is going to to be my first port of call when you reopen, so hopefully we should have a few in,” said Martin.

“People can book ahead for drinks but it’s mainly just walk ins we’re doing at the moment.

“We’re taking bookings for food too – people have mainly been booking for food on a Sunday lunchtime at the moment due to being uncertain about what is happening.

 “We’ve put a lot of work in to for today – for example gaining some extra spaces.

“It’s just a few spaces but it could make all the difference!”