CUSTOMERS have been delighted to eat and drink inside pubs, cafes and restaurants again.

As lockdown restrictions lifted today, people queued up to step back inside their favourite places.

Outdoor attractions, museums and children's soft play centres have also re-opened.

Tears of joy have been shared by grandparents and grandchildren as families are now allowed to hug each other again.

More relatives and friends can now get together at home.

One Middlewich pub was so pleased to open after being closed for six months, they had a surprise treat in store.

Danny White, manager of the Kings Arms was waiting at the door to greet regulars when they turned up this morning.

Landlady Nicky Chapman who runs the Queens Street pub with husband John, said: “Danny counted down like it was New Year from 10 to 1 when he opened the door and gave all our regulars a free drink to welcome them back.

“It’s not all about having a drink. Our regulars come in for the friendly faces and to have a chat.

“It was quite emotional.”

Knutsford Guardian:

Danny White, manager of the Kings Arms delighted to welcome regulars back

Everyone is so close, she said, it’s like one big happy family.

“We’ve been here running the pub for 25 years,” said Nicky. “They’ve seen me have a baby who has gone through uni and took care of me when I’ve had ops.

“Everyone checks on everyone.”

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One elderly customer was surprised when Nicky turned up with a box of his favourite crisps during lockdown.

Bottles of beer were delivered to other regulars.

“Two ladies who live beside the pub have been working on the frontline in hospitals,” said Nicky. “We dropped them off chocolates and wine and they said afterwards that they wept when we left as they had just done eight 12-hour shifts back to back.

“It’s been a long time. We hope this is the last lockdown.”

The Brighton Belle beside the railway station in Winsford has been inundated with customers.

Manager Will Goodwin said: "It's been manic, everyone was dying to get back. All our tables were full today and we're booked out this evening. Customers are so glad to be here and we're delighted to see everyone again."

The Kinderton in Middlewich doesn't open on Mondays and is eagerly awaiting families and friends to dine again inside tomorrow.

Knutsford Guardian:

Diners enjoying a meal at the Kinderton 

Manager Laura Ellison said: "We're really excited to have everyone back inside. People are still asking for our tables outside which have proved very popular."