FOR hospitality venues across Knutsford, Monday was a special occasion as they were able to welcome back customers for a drink or a bite to eat in the sunshine.

Under the current lockdown restrictions, only outdoor hospitality is permitted – meaning the sun was a welcome sight to diners and staff members alike.

“I’ve never checked the weather so obsessively in all my life because it had given snow at one point,” said Harriet Henry, manager of the Tea Room, based in Cotton Shop Yard off King Street.

Speaking on Monday in between serving customers, she added: “It’s been absolutely lovely today.

“Everyone’s been in high spirits and you can just feel it in the air.

“It’s been a bit less stressful than after the other lockdowns because we’re just serving outside, but you still get nervous to come back after so long and it feels like your first day at school.

“We’ve had people coming by for a bit of everything today really, I think people are just so happy to be out.”

The Tea Room is owned and managed by Harriet and her mum Sue after they opened the business in September 2018.

As well as resuming outdoor service, they have an extra treat lined up for customers.

During the Easter break, any customers – young or old – that visit the Tea Room in fancy dress will be treated to a complimentary cookie with their order.

Sue Henry, owner of the Tea Room explained: “One thing we’ve really missed during lockdown is seeing all the lovely families that come to the Tea Room, so we wanted to give them something nice to welcome them back.

“When I think of all the children’s parties that will have been cancelled this last year, it makes me feel sad for what they’ve missed, so we thought the children might enjoy having a chance to get dressed up and it will be lovely for us to see everyone having fun.

“Cookies will be given to any grown-ups who’d like to come in fancy dress too.”

The Tea Room will be open daily from 10am to 4pm, and 5pm on Saturdays.

It has become well-known for its afternoon teas, after delivering several hundred of them to customers in the area over lockdown.

The menu also extends beyond homemade cakes, offering customers a selection of breakfast and lunch choices.

The Tea Room now has a new gazebo – funded by a Government reopening grant – and patio heaters to provide shelter from the elements for their socially distanced seating.

The patio can seat up to 12 people and bookings can be made in advance.

Sue added: “This place comes alive when our customers are here.

“We have the most wonderful customers, and we are very grateful to them all for keeping us going this last year.

“It’s a time for us, and for everyone in hospitality, to celebrate.”