Customers who have missed their coffee and pastry fix at bakery chain Milligans have been making up for lost time.
Since the North East chain decided to reopen two of its main branches, it seems regulars have been giving a warm welcome back to its hot and cold range.
Following the opening of smaller-scale branches, Milligans Bakery relaunched its main shops in Northumberland Street, Newcastle, and at Sunderland station, with a request to customers to stick to social distancing guidelines.
And among those taking the opportunity to revisit the city centre branch was a bus driver who was "thrilled" to be back.
In a post on the bakery's Facebook page he wrote: "Well done to all the staff at Milligans in Newcastle for opening the shop at a time of crisis."
Praising the "friendly, positive" staff, he said he and fellow drivers were "thrilled to not only have somewhere to eat but have somewhere to eat that's mega yummy".
Another customer also complimented the staff and the variety on offer.
During its lockdown closure, the company, which is known for the likes of its hot bacon and sausage baps, as well as pasties, pies and cakes, had been offering deliveries and also invited nominations of someone deserving, or who has been helping others during the coronavirus crisis, to enjoy a pick-me-up treat.
Its now-chosen winner is to receive a free afternoon tea.
Prior to the opening of the main branches, smaller outlets including those at Shildon, Spennymoor and Wallsend have been testing the water, with a spokesman saying: "We are working very hard to restart our bakeries as soon as we possibly can. "
The company, which was set up in Elswick, Newcastle, in 1946 now has shops across the region.
The Newcastle and Sunderland branches are open from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 8.30am and 3pm.
