Drinkers up and down the UK got the party started in pubs and bars at a few minutes past midnight as Britain took a big step towards normality.
Several people made the most of the new relaxed Covid restrictions and headed into towns to order pints and cocktails to toast the next step of Boris Johnson’s path to freedom.
Other reasons to celebrate include being allowed to hug families and friends for the first time in months, football fans being allowed into stadiums once more as well as pubs and restaurants fully reopening.
Some of the first through the doors were (from left) Rebecca Mitchell, Rosie Delaney and Isobel Logan at the Showtime Bar in Huddersfield
The delighted trio toasted to their newly allowed freedom as they downed their first drinks at a few minutes past midnightÂ
Rosie Delaney and Isobel Logan sup on cocktails at the Showtime Bar in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, after the doors were reopened
Clearly delighted Rosie Delaney prepares to enjoy her first drink in the Showtime Bar in Huddersfield this morning
A waitress shows a steady hand as she serves her first customers as the clock struck 00.02 at the Showtime Bar in Huddersfield
Most of the tables were occupied at a few minutes past midnight as indoor hospitality and entertainment venues reopen to the public following the further easing of lockdown restrictions
Hundreds of thirsty customers queued for an hour as they waited for The Hippodrome in Leicester Square to reopen at midnightÂ
The revellers waited outside for more than an hour before the Covid restrictions were eased at midnight in EnglandÂ
Delighted owner Simon Thomas was ready to throw open the doors and welcome patrons back inside the bar at a minute past midnight
These men look delighted as they enjoy their first drink inside a pub for the first time in months with an array of drinks and a friendly toast
These two in Newcastle’s Switch Bar were delighted as the doors were reopened and quickly built up a number of empties on their table
They looked as though they enjoyed their first drink inside a pub for several months as they made the most of new relaxed restrictions
Among the venues to open their doors at the strike of twelve was The Oak Inn in Coventry. Owner Darren Lee said about 100 people had gathered for a drink.
He said the early opening had been ‘very well received’, and added: ‘Locals were really glad to be back inside – they’re really up for it.’
He anticipated larger numbers building throughout the day on Monday and into the evening when people finish work.
Ian Snowball, the owner of Showtime Bar in Huddersfield, said it was ‘incredible’ to be able to open his doors for those wanting a drink inside.
He said: ‘It’s incredible – the anticipation and the planning has been amazing.
‘We’ve got all the staff here and everyone’s happy. It’s nice to be inside, warm … I don’t have to have a hoodie or a coat on (to have a drink) any more – it’s great.
‘And hopefully we don’t have to go back outside again, hopefully this is the end of it now.’
Several groups of friends enjoying a night out in Newcastle’s Powerhouse, one of the first venues in the UK to reopen at a minute past midnight
These friends look delighted to be among the first in England to enjoy a drink in a pub or bar inside since the restrictions were lifted at 12.01
A masked barman delivers this group of friends their drinks in Newcastle’s Powerhouse as restrictions were eased in England
This group of friends in Newcastle’s Powerhouse will hope the restrictions continue to be eased ahead of June 21
This young woman’s birthday was perfectly timed for the easing of restrictions in the UK as she enjoyed a toast with friends before ripping open her presents
This group of friends look equally delighted to be out again, although one woman elected to skip an alcoholic drink for the time being
These barmen at the Showtime Bar in Huddersfield were delighted to welcome back drinkers as the clock reached 12.01 on Monday
Later they shared a toast together, no doubt hoping the easing of restrictions is successful as the country looks ahead to fully reopening in June
These three chose an assortment of colourful drinks to properly mark their return to the bar as they celebrate the easing of rules in England
Fitness instructor Melanie Pennicott teaches a midnight exercise class at Fusion Park Road Leisure Centre in north London
A group takes part in a high energy barbell class just after midnight at an indoor group exercise studio at Park Road Pools & Fitness in London
Fitness instructor Melanie Pennicott teaches a midnight exercise class at Fusion Park Road Leisure Centre, north London, as the clock nears 00.10.
It was much quieter in the capital, with most venues in south-west London remaining closed ahead of an expected busy day of trading on Monday.
But the quiet start will soon develop as according to experts told The Sun nine million pints will be downed and seven million meals devoured.
The newspaper also says annual leave is up 50 per cent as Britons look to make the most of being allowed into boozers again.
Steven Alton, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping, told The Sun: ‘Some pubs open outdoors had drink stocks already in cellars but they have had to add to them with fresh orders due to an expected increase in demand.’
Others queued to get into the gym last night as they enjoyed their first workout as for the first time since December, indoor exercise classes are able to resume at fitness centres and gyms.
