SPRING has not produced the al-fresco friendly weather Lancashire locals had envisaged when outdoor dining was re-introduced on April 12.

However, Monday 17 May will welcome a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions – with pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and bingo halls all able to welcome punters back through their doors – albeit with the rule of six still in place.

Lancashire Telegraph asked its readers where they were most looking forward to booking an indoor table – and the responses came in thick and fast.

Jessica Anne commented: “Me and my fiancé are looking forward to going to Amalfi in Darwen. My Mum got some vouchers for my birthday and has kindly offered to babysit our 16-week-old baby, so we can have a couple of hours out to enjoy some delicious food and cocktails.”

Good Italian food was also high on the agenda for Tom Simpson, who said: “Mangiamo [Darwen], looking forward to trying the tapas!”.

Lorraine Holden told of how she has “booked for two households" at the Crown and Thistle, also in Darwen, while Jade Louise Heald is looking forward to her sister's belated birthday meal at The Hurley Flyer in Morecambe.

Ash Hartley said he ‘couldn’t wait’ to get back in the pub and is booked in at the Four Alls Inn at Higham – and the Kettledrum at Cliviger.

There were also shout-outs for The Firepit at Rawtenstall, The Cellar in Padiham and The Stanhill Pub & Kitchen in Oswaldtwistle.

After so many months in lockdown, then restricted to outdoor hospitality, most will be thrilled to swap the outdoor heaters and blankets for cosy comfort indoors at any of Lancashire's excellent eateries - Reyhana Sidat confessed that she would be glad of getting booked inside “anywhere and everywhere!”.