PUB landlords in Worcester welcomed back customers on Monday as outdoor hospitality reopened up and down the country.

Nigel Smith, landlord of both The Fleece Inn at Bretforton and The Cardinal’s Hat in Friar Street, Worcester, said it was ‘absolutely fantastic’’ to reopen.

He said: “We took the decision to introduce new technology including our ordering system and that worked out really well for us and the sun shone and our customers are outside as we speak.

“It was a bit concerning waking up to some snow, but the sun came out and we’ve had lots of lovely feedback from people are very pleased to be back here with us.

“We are going to be busy over the next few weeks but we’re looking forward to seeing customers old and new and getting into the summer of enjoyment and meeting old friends so it’s going to be a good time.”

Jackie Barry, landlord at the Northwick Arms in Vine Street, said it was nice to see her customers again, but had mixed feelings on the first day of reopening.

“It was cold, but it was nice to see some old faces,” she said.

“It’s not ideal because we are going to be trading at less than 20% of our normal turnover so it’s a bit of a double edged sword really, but it was nice to see people.

“So yes mixed feelings really, although it’s nice to be back doing something.

“Hopefully from May 17 we can all open up inside which would be a lot better, and by September I’m hoping all restrictions will have been lifted, but we don’t know do we? It changes so quickly and all we can do is as we’re told like everybody else.

It was good to see people and lets look forward to better things in June if it all goes well.”

Mark Daniels, the landlord of the Brewers Arms in Comer Road, said: “It was very successful on Monday. Every table was taken and everyone was well behaved and kept at a social distance, it went well.

“All my regulars have been missing the pub over the last few months, and then I always get a good contingent of students in as well so there were some old and new ones starting so it was a good mix.

“We had to turn a couple of groups away at around 8pm and 9pm as we didn’t have the room which was a little bit annoying from a business point of view but you’ve got to follow the rules.”