People in Nottingham have enjoyed their first pint back at the pub on what they say is "liberation day" with restrictions being eased.
The Magic Garden in Low Pavement and the Canal House in Canal Street were fully booked on Monday, April 12 as people flocked to enjoy a pint at a pub for the first time in 2021.
Pubs are now allowed to serve tables of up to six people outside as the government continues to ease restrictions and eventually take the country out of lockdown.
This meant the long wait for pub-goers, owners and staff finally came to an end and drinks were once again served across the city and the rest of the county.
Sarah Britton, who enjoyed a trip to the Canal House on her 24th birthday, said ‘I’m excited.
"I think Boris knew it was my birthday. We ordered jäger bombs and gin lime and soda.
"We are going to Bierkeller and Bodega later. We had to book everywhere in advance.”
Sam Haywood, 22, from Beeston, said: "It’s like being 18 again. Birra Moretti was my first pint but it does not feel right because you can’t mix with people."
The pub had to turn people away at the door as it was fully booked throughout the day.
Wayne Harvey, manager of the Canal House, said: "We have gone from zero to 100.
"We did one delivery last week and one this week because we had started from nothing. It is hard to judge how busy it will be because a busy day for us pre-covid would be twice the amount on a busy day now.
"Being open is great. It is great for people’s well being and people want to come out and support the local brand."
Magic Garden, meanwhile, had 700 people booked in from noon to 11pm - each booking is given one hour and 30 minute table time.
John Noble, 43, from Ruddington, told Nottinghamshire Live: “We work in hospitality but we don’t have a beer garden so we thought we would come out and enjoy it.
"Today is liberation day. I think the whole world has been waiting for this for a long time.
"Hospitality has been the worse accused the worst affected and the first to shut and last to open."
Natalie Jones 34 has travelled from Ilkeston to enjoy the Magic Garden with her friend.
She said: "It is nice to be back out. We have missed seeing our friends and the atmosphere.
"I think it feels like we are back to normality."
