A couple in their 70s were among the first customers to return to a Bristol pub today, and said the experience was "strange but nice".
Alan and Ann Moore were among the people Bristol Live met when the Spotted Cow in North Street reopened earlier today (Saturday, July 4).
Aged 74 and 75 respectively, the retired couple said they were probably the oldest there during their visit this afternoon.
Mr Moore had a Thatchers with a slice of lemon, while his wife enjoyed a glass of white wine.
He said: "It's one of the locals we go to, we quite enjoy popping in for a couple of drinks.
"It was quite nice to be back, but a bit strange. There were a few other customers in there, younger people than us to be honest, but it was nice."
The pair, who live nearby, had not planned to head to the pub but ended up wandering past and noticed it was open.
Although most places are asking people to book ahead of their visits, including the Spotted Cow, there happened to be a table free that had not been reserved.
Mr Moore said: "We were on our usual walk up North Street and saw the young lady on the door and the security guard, and obviously said 'hello, are you open?'
"She popped in and said they had a table.
"The staff were excellent and all had their face masks on and gloves. They were very good.
"After a while the customers relaxed, it was very well-organised. I went to the gents and saw someone went in after with the spray [to disinfect].
"We did feel safe, it wasn't packed or anything in there."
He said some days during lockdown had been a "bit of a struggle" for them, but that their daily walks had been a highlight.
Mr Moore, who is a father and a grandfather, said: "We keep going for our nice walks and we try to keep active.
"We've missed the family and all the parties and birthdays, things like that."
The couple had been due to go on holiday to Egypt during lockdown, but that was cancelled due to the travel restrictions.
It was the third holiday in a row they have had cancelled - the previous two were with Thomas Cook, which went bust last year.
