YESTERDAY (April 12) was the day that pub-goers and restaurant-lovers were waiting for as many hospitality venues across the country were allowed to open.
Businesses in East Lancashire were no exception.
Many locals flocked to their local boozer and restaurant to enjoy a day out after months of lockdown.
We have tracked down some of the businesses that were open yesterday to catch up on how they found the day.
Here are some of the stories and photos they shared:
The Hyndburn Restaurant & Bar, Clayton-le-Moors, said they had a busy day and that the majority of people were well behaved.
According to the company, only one couple had to be “reminded of the rules”.
They added: “Had a routine visit from the police and the council, checking that we had everything in order - which it was.
“The weather was nice but chilly, but a good vibe, and no people ‘drinking like they’ve just got out of prison’ - although it almost feels like we have!”
Staff at Nelson's Nicholson's Butchers enjoyed a day off at Cross Gaits in Blacko.
He even brought his four-legged friend along for the day.
Café by the River in Great Harwood shared a photo of their first customers since lockdown ended.
(Photo: Facebook/Cafe By The River)
They wrote: “Our first outdoor customers… it felt good serving outdoors again”
Customers seem to have enjoyed The Wellsprings' new outdoor area.
Staff at the Sabden restaurant were thankful for the support from customers, writing: “We'd like to thank everyone for their continued support and it's been great to be able to welcome you all back.”
(Photo: Facebook/The Wellsprings)
Jackie Buckley went to Hare and Hounds in Stacksteads with her dad.
She said: "It's was my first pint out for my dad.
"He is 80 so has been isolating and after my mum passed away last June we have not had many opportunities to get out!
"The lovely Kay has done amazing work to get the pub up and ready, we had a lovely hour in the beer garden."
Pub-goers can be seen enjoying the April sunshine at The Dressers Arms, Wheelton.
(Photo: Facebook/The Dressers Arms)
Their outdoor seating is available on a first come first served basis- so make sure to get down there early if you want a pint.
At Chorley gastropub, The Spinners at Cowling, “everyone behaved themselves and seemed in good spirits.”
They added: “All adhered to the covid guidelines. We had a couple that tried to use the toilets without a mask but as soon as you reminded them they followed the rules.
“It was very cold but the sun was shining and nobody seemed to be put off.”
The Cross Keys pub in Barnoldswick shared a video to their Facebook page of people enjoying the outdoor area.
(Facebook/The Cross Keys pub )
They even had a big outdoor screen for people to watch the football on.
The Red Lion in Chorley shared a photo of their first customer in
(Facebook/ @LowerWheelton)
Posting to Facebook, The Crown Inn at Bacup wrote: “Wow what a day!
“It has been not stop... we’re done for the day & now finally resting our weary legs!
“We want to say a HUGE thankyou to each and every one of you that came today, it has been such a brilliant, busy day”
They added: “Our customers are what make The Crown what it is and we are overwhelmed on the amount of love, wishes & support we have received.
“It was so lovely to finally be able see you all again.”
The Tavern in Great Harwood also enjoyed a successful reopening.
“Sure there are going to be some rough heads tomorrow.
“Big shout out to the staff today. Worked hard nonstop and kept everyone happy.”
Speaking to The Lancashire Telegraph, staff said: "The day was a absolute success.
"Although a few customers obviously needed a few prompts they did all follow all our rules.
"All day everyone wasn’t put off with the weather until around 8pm- we are looking into getting more heaters."
Drinks were also flowing at Chorley Golf Club Hall.
A member of staff served the first welcome back beer to John Carrol and George Darbyshire.
(Facebook/ @FactoryCafeBarnoldswick)
Customers were tucking into their breakfast at Factory Café in Barnoldswick.
Staff at The Swan Inn in Burnley have been working hard to get the outdoor area ready.
They have gazebos with retractable roof canopies to protect customers from the rain.
It’s important to note that they will be operating on a first come first serve basis and urge customers to turn up early to avoid disappointment.
(Facebook/ @burnleyswaninn)
They published a photo of their punters enjoying a drink in the beer garden.
The Rhonden Inn in Oswaldtwistle also posted pictures of happy punters.
Talking about opening day, a member of staff said: "It was brilliant- loved every minute of it, although my legs ate paying for it today with how many steps I did but.
"I have amazing customers and an amazing team behind me I’m so lucky. Everyone listened to rules and followed them it was just an amazing emotional day"
The Entwistle Hotel also published photos of a packed beer garden.
A spokesperson said: "Yesterday was an amazing experience after being closed for 6 months.
"The customers were queueing round the block to get in the pub and it was great to see so many of my regulars with a happy attitude once again.
"Social distancing was adhered to successfully and everyone signed in either by pen and paper or via the NHS app which was also good to see.
"The weather didn't stop anyone enjoying what was labelled pubsmas eve although it times it was cold we had adequate heating in place to take off the chill."
George and Dragon pub in Bacup said they “couldn’t have asked for a better first day back.”
"It was so nice to see all our lovely customers again and they seemed happy to be back.
"All social distance rules were in place and despite the cold weather everyone stayed outside and bared it."
They added: “If you missed out today, there’s still plenty of beer to go around.”
The Roebuck in Rishton shared a photo of Steve Powell who won a £50 beer raffle.
(Facebook/ @theroebuckrishton)
Ann Ireland visited the Green Squirrel in Haslingden.
Did you head to a local pub or restaurant yesterday? Share your photos with us by emailing sarah.mcgee@newsquest.co.uk
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