JOY and laughter filled the air as people were delighted to meet up with friends in a beer garden again.
Pubs, cafes and restaurants have welcomed back customers today as lockdown restrictions were lifted to allow people to eat and drink outside.
Customers must order, eat and drink whilst seated at a table and follow the rule of six or a maximum of two households.
Neil Owen was the first in the queue as The Queens Arms in Dene Drive as the Winsford town centre pub opened for breakfast at 9am.
Enjoying a pint in the morning sunshine, 51-year-old said: "I live on my own so it's the companionship and friendship that I enjoy.
"I've been in and out of hospital and have a lot of problems so I'm glad to have a laugh and share some banter and a joke with my friends.
"This is a very friendly pub. I have a lot of friends of different ages. It's much better than being stuck in at home restricted by what you can do."
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Despite the chilly wind, he enjoyed being reunited with so many people he hadn't seen for a long time.
"It's a bit cold being outside but I don't mind," said Neil. "I feel safe in this pub. I have a lot of people around me and I feel happy."
Andrew Hulse, the second person to arrive at the pub, said: "It is lovely to be back and nice to see my old friends again.
"Hopefully it will stay open now. It means a lot to see my old mates."
Lynne Stanley said she enjoyed sharing a drink and a chat with her friends.
The Wetherspoon pub is open from
The Old Star in Darnhall was fully booked.
The Old Star
Kim Kitson, who runs the Swanlow Lane pub with Ernie Welch, said: "There is a lovely atmosphere. Everyone is glad to be back and so pleased that we are open.
"We're doing bookings only because we only have limited outside space. Our phones have been ringing non stop and we've been fully booked."
The Old Star
The pub serves food until 2pm.
The George and Dragon welcomed customers into new heated outdoor seating areas.
George and Dragon
The Delamere Street pub has three outdoor TVs to screen football.
George and Dragon
Customers at at all hospitality venues are asked to check in to NHS test and trace, or give contact details to staff. Social distancing rules must be followed.
George and Dragon
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