After four months of lockdown people in Liverpool finally managed to visit pubs, shops and restaurants today.
Parts of Liverpool city centre were packed as shoppers and pub-goers headed into town after Step 2 of the Government’s roadmap saw restrictions ease, with outdoor hospitality, non-essential shops and salons allowed to reopen.
The sunshine has drawn many people towards outdoor areas on Bold Street, Castle Street and Concert Square, which was packed with punters this afternoon.
From around 11am the city centre’s bars and restaurants reopened their outdoor seating areas - and many gladly showed up to enjoy their first post-lockdown drink.
Many, including students, headed towards the likes of McCooley’s, SOHO and MODO in Concert Square, which were all busy from lunchtime onwards.
Elsewhere in the city, Boujee Restaurant and Bar launched its new terrace space in Liverpool ONE, which was decked out in pink - deck chairs and flamingos included.
Pubs are also allowed to serve takeaway drinks, and people enjoyed ice cold pints at Rocket & Ruby at Derby Square this lunchtime.
Visitors were quick to embrace the sunshine, sitting on deck chairs and enjoying the views.
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Many were also eager to see Liverpool’s high street back to normal too, with Primark even opening its doors early at 6.45am.
Shoppers formed huge queues which, at their longest, wrapped around College Lane, through Key Court by the former Topshop store and back up towards Primark. Many were even told they’d have to wait at least ‘one hour’ in the queue to get in.
Shoppers also queued for Foot Locker in Liverpool ONE this morning, with people forming a line from its front door around the corner and up the steps towards WH Smith.
Like we’ve seen during past post-lockdown reopenings, Zara was met with large queues this morning ahead of its 9.30am opening, stretching back towards the Hilton hotel.
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Along with non-essential retail stores such as clothing, betting and electronic stores, pubs and restaurants are allowed to open today for outdoor drinking and dining.
Personal care businesses like hair and beauty salons, as well with indoor leisure facilities like gyms - for individual use or within household groups - can reopen today.
No doubt there will be a few sore heads tomorrow morning, and the pubs and bars will be getting ready to do it all over again.
