Hundreds head to South Shields cafes and pubs as sun shines on first day of reopening

People were queueing from as early as 9.45am on April 12 to get into the revamped outdoor area at Clover & Wolf on Brigham Place in the town centre.

Owners Stephanie and Tim Gooding were pleased to see their regular customers after being closed for so long.

Stephanie said: "We had around 15 of our regular customers queueing to come in from 9.45am.

“This lockdown has been the hardest one yet [but] we’re excited to be open again.

“[Before we opened] we felt a mix of nerves and excitement as we wanted to make sure that everyone was safe and having a good time.

“It’s just drinks today but we’ll be serving food from Wednesday with a limited menu.

"We’ll also be having live music on Friday and Saturday with solos and duos at this time.

"When we open the inside we’ll have bands on again.”

Customers were keen to enjoy their first pint with friends in the sunshine as restrictions were eased after months of closure.

Friends Lesley Dickinson, 57, and Claire Todd, 43, were among those who were enjoying the outdoor area at Clover and Wolf.

Lesley said: “We had booked a table for breakfast at Platform 33 before coming here for a drink.

"The weather couldn’t be better for today and it’s lovely to see people again.”

The Clifton Hotel and Coffee Shop on Ocean Road, run by Liz and Scott Carlucci, also opened its extended outdoor seating area on Monday to the delight of regulars.

Pat and Ken Dodd were among those enjoying the new space as they treated their grandson Isaac Dodd to a chocolate cake in the sunshine.

Pat said: “We’ve been here before and the food is lovely.”

Ken added: “It’s nice to be out, when the sun is out it’s really hot.”

Owner Scott was delighted to be back open again after feeling nervous the night before. He said: “We've had a few people in this morning and a few of our regulars.

“We're pleased with the outdoor area. It was chilly this morning but it's lovely to see the sun come out.”

Meanwhile the new seafront bar and street food venue called The Dockyard was a hit with customers who were visiting it for the first time as it opened on April 12.

Manager Paul Riley said 400 people had already been through the doors by 11.30am.

“I’m pleased with how it’s going,” he said.

“We’ve put a lot of work into it so we’re excited to welcome people.

“Everyone has been really good and understanding that it’s our first day. It’s going really well.”

Meanwhile pubs along South Shields seafront including The New Sundial, Platform 33 and The Sand Dancer, were also busy with people making the most of the sunny weather by enjoying food and drink with friends in their newly revamped outdoor seating areas and marquees.

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