Paul Hollywood appears to be in great spirits at the pub with girlfriend Melissa Spalding in Kent

Paul Hollywood appeared to be in great spirits as he enjoyed a trip to the pub with his girlfriend Melissa Spalding on Saturday.

The Bake Off star, 55, and the landlady were joined by their pals for a few al fresco drinks at the venue in Kent.

Making the most of lockdown restrictions easing, the couple laughed and joked with their friends and stayed outside catching up until closing time. 

Making the most of it! Paul Hollywood appeared to be in great spirits as he enjoyed a trip to the pub after restrictions eased with his girlfriend Melissa Spalding on Saturday

Paul cut a casual figure for the drinking session, wearing a black T-shirt before adding a red jacket for some extra warmth as the evening temperature dropped.

He sported a pair of black sunglasses on his head and put on a very animated display while chatting with a pal across the table. 

Melissa also kept things relaxed in a beige jacket and wearing her brunette locks twisted into a chic hairstyle. 

Loved-up: Melissa wrapped an arm around the Bake Off star as they chatted to friends at the table outside the Kent pub

Loved-up: Melissa wrapped an arm around the Bake Off star as they chatted to friends at the table outside the Kent pub

She reached across the table to kiss a pal at one point and was also spotted wrapping an arm around her beau as they enjoyed the trip out. 

Clearly well-known among the locals, several people stopped to wave and say hello to the couple as they sat outside the pub. 

Paul confirmed his romance with Melissa in December 2019 after previously denying they were involved following his split from Summer Monteys-Fullam, 24.

However, after Paul and Melissa spent Christmas at the Chequers Inn in Smarden, Kent, a spokesman for the Bake Off star said: ‘They are very happily together.’

Social: The couple appeared to be having a wonderful time as they laughed and chatted away

Social: The couple appeared to be having a wonderful time as they laughed and chatted away 

Al fresco: Paul smoked a cigarette while speaking to one of his friends at the table

Al fresco: Paul smoked a cigarette while speaking to one of his friends at the table

Pals: The landlady reached across the table to share a quick kiss with one friend

Hello there! They waved at some other locals they recognised

Pals: The landlady reached across the table to share a quick kiss with one friend (left) before she and Paul waved at some other locals they recognised (right) from their spot at the pub

Loving it: Melissa beamed a smile as she waved towards another person at the outdoor venue

Loving it: Melissa beamed a smile as she waved towards another person at the outdoor venue

A source close to the couple said at the time: ‘Melissa was pulling pints and cleaning tables on Christmas Day so they didn’t get to spend much time together, but they are away now.’

It is thought that the duo enjoyed a getaway after the holiday season. 

In November 2019, the pair were spotted holding hands by the pool at the five-star Annabelle hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, where he also met and married his estranged wife Alex.

Onlookers saw them looking ‘very happy together’. 

All day session? Paul added a red jacket when the temperatures started to drop

All day session? Paul added a red jacket when the temperatures started to drop 

Animated: He threw up his arms during the conversation

Animated: He threw up his arms during the conversation 

Great chat: Melissa leaned in to her beau while he appeared to be telling a lively story

Conversation: The couple stayed on one side of the bench while their pal faced them

Great chat: Melissa leaned in to her beau while he appeared to be telling a lively story

I know you! Another man came over to say hello, with Paul appearing happy to chat

I know you! Another man came over to say hello, with Paul appearing happy to chat

Larking around: The couple pointed towards yet another friend towards the end of their trip

Larking around: The couple pointed towards yet another friend towards the end of their trip 

Paul split from his ex Summer in August 2019 and she has since detailed how Covid put a stop to her plans to get dating.

Summer also insisted she has never been on any dating apps, describing herself as an ‘old-fashioned chick’.

The former barmaid also seemed to take a swipe at her ex in recent months when she told The Sun: ‘Loyalty is a huge, key factor for me. 

Getting a round in? Melissa seemed to be calling out from the pub door

Getting a round in? Melissa seemed to be calling out from the pub door

Wrapped up: She donned a beige jacket to stay warm while drinking outside

Wrapped up: She donned a beige jacket to stay warm while drinking outside

Casual: Paul rocked a black T-shirt during the warmer day hours

He knows everyone! Yet another local stopped for a quick catchup with the TV star

Casual: Paul rocked a black T-shirt during the warmer day hours

Laid-back: Paul seemed to be in great spirits at the pub

Laid-back: Paul seemed to be in great spirits at the pub

‘I want someone nice. I don’t have a type, as such — it’s how I get on with that person. 

‘Age isn’t really a problem but this time I would definitely put a cap on it — so thirties or younger — and I would definitely be open to dating someone not in the public eye.

‘What I’m not looking for in a man this time around is someone who’s self-obsessed or eats Rice Krispies for dinner.’

Laughs: He couldn't stop smiling as they spoke with other groups of revellers

Laughs: He couldn’t stop smiling as they spoke with other groups of revellers