Thornbury’s hospitality industry was back with a bang this week after an easing of lockdown restrictions allowed pubs and restaurants to serve customers outdoors.

Non-essential retail, gyms and hairdressers were also permitted to reopen for the first time in months on Monday.

While some pubs have taken the decision to stay closed until they can serve customers indoors, others have jumped at the chance to offer al fresco dining.

At Hawkes House the outside terrace has been transformed into a courtyard, with pizzas being served from House Box - a takeaway housed within a converted horse box that opened in January. An outdoor bar has also been installed.

Reflecting on the last couple of days, co-owner James Murray said: “They have been absolutely perfect.

“The sun has shone and everyone has been happy.

“It’s been really refreshing. It’s been a nice mix of new faces and plenty of old customers as well.”

Sandra Davies, who runs The Swan pub on Thornbury High Street, added: “Monday and Tuesday were quite busy. The support we’ve had has been brilliant.

“We have incurred a lot of extra costs with outside trading. We have just got to make ends meet as best we can.

“It’s nice to get back to some sort of normality and see the old regulars back and new faces we haven’t seen before.”

The Swan is continuing its takeaway and home delivery service it has been running throughout lockdown.

And it is not just pubs that have attracted people back to the high street. Zoe Gilbraith, secretary for Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, collected the following comments from traders: "It is lovely to hear the buzz of people in the high street again, lots of people meeting up and chatting in the sunshine.

"We are all really happy to have our doors open once more and to be welcoming back our customers, particularly in this sunny weather.

"We are working hard to ensure that your shopping experience is safe as well as enjoyable.

"If for any reason you are unable to make it to us we are still able to serve you online or over the phone.

"There’s lots of exciting new things to find in our shops, so why not have come and have a browse."