REVELLERS in Yate and Chipping Sodbury escaped to the pub on Monday, as landlords and landladies were finally able to welcome back customers as stage 2 of Prime Minister Boris Johnsons roadmap out of lockdown allowed pubs to re-open.

The Prime Minister confirmed on Easter Monday that next stage of his plans would go ahead on April 12 meaning all hospitality venues including restaurants and pubs could re-open, but under a number of restrictions.

Under the latest guidance pubs, restaurants and cafes are allowed to reopen but they can only offer outdoor table service.

The rule of six applies and so six individuals or up to two households can attend together and in a big change to the rules in place last year- patrons no longer have to purchase a meal with their drinks.

Anyone attending a pub or restaurant must use the NHS track and trace app to record their visit.

James Britton-Gale co-landlord of The Squire in Chipping Sodbury, The Bell in Old Sodbury and The Swan at Nibley said it was a ‘delight’ to welcome back their loyal customers.

“We are ecstatic to finally be able to open the doors of our premises again albeit for outside service only.”

The Squire have erected a temporary marquee to ‘help protect against the classic British weather’ and are offering limited bar snacks and sandwiches until they are able to open the indoor restaurant too.

James added: “Seeing the team back and welcoming customers this afternoon has been such a delight. Thank you to everyone for their support.”

Book for post May 17 for The Bell, The Squire and The Swan on their websites.

The Codrington Arms in North Road have offered a takeaway service throughout the lockdown period and landlady Jenna Hale said she was over the moon to have her beloved pub back open.

“We have had an absolutely incredible first few days, the pub has been filled with people enjoying themselves.” She said.

“Being finally surrounded by the sound of chatter and laughter has made us feel that there really is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Jenna echoed James, thanking customers for abiding by the new guidelines.

Popular local, Stanshawes Court enjoyed a huge turnout of visitors on their reopening day after spending weeks revamping their outdoor space to be able to seat 180 customers.

The team have put up new shades and lights for their garden and are offering a full menu including pizzas from their pizza oven.

The pub are operating a first come first served process with no booking needed.

Landlord Paul Davies said: “ Its great to have everyone back, hopefully we will be able to open the indoors from next month as its hard for the staff to do table service for such a huge garden, hopefully people remember to be patient- and everyone has a great time- we all deserve it.”