Jarrow landlords optimistic as they welcome customers back inside following easing of covid restrictions on May 17

Pubs, restaurants and other venues were able to offer indoor hospitality from May 17 under the next step of restrictions easing in England.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged caution amid Indian Covid variant fears, while still hoping to press ahead with the roadmap and avoid the need for local lockdowns.

But landlords in South Tyneside are optimistic for the future.

The day has been a long time coming for landlord at The Albion Gin & Ale House, Jess McConnell who is over the moon to see familiar faces back inside the pub.

He had been offering outdoor service, launching on April 12 with a German theme, but with the weather not great, being back indoors was what he was waiting for.

He said: “It’s been a steady day so far but we’re expecting people to finish work and fancy a pint.

"We had a good five weeks outside but we’re all really looking forward to better days now.

“I’m tremendously happy to be back inside. We’ve had people in today who haven’t been in over the last five weeks because of the weather so it’s been great to see some familiar faces and have a bit of normality.”

When pubs welcomed customers back to beer gardens in April, The Albion celebrated with a German beer and sausage theme.

Elsewhere in Jarrow, landlord of The Crown & Anchor pub, Gareth Carr, is expecting a busy few days as restrictions ease.

He said: “We’re fully open now and we’re really optimistic. A few people have been inside today and we’re expecting some busy evenings once people finish work.”

On the less boozy side of things, STK Fitness in Randolph Street, Jarrow, was welcoming back work-out groups as the ban on indoor exercise classes was lifted.

Household visits have resumed and the foreign holiday ban has ended.

People are able to meet indoors in private properties, following the rule of six, with overnight stays allowed.

Children of all ages are included in headcounts, but professional carers are not. Support bubbles count as one household.

Up to 30 people can gather outdoors.

Hugs are also permitted – though Ministers and health experts have urged people to exercise caution.

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