The Royal Oak, Scopwick. L-R Jess Willetts, Kerry Garrick, Judy James, Laura Mettam, Leia Timmins EMN-210419-092933001The Royal Oak, Scopwick. L-R Jess Willetts, Kerry Garrick, Judy James, Laura Mettam, Leia Timmins EMN-210419-092933001
The Royal Oak, Scopwick. L-R Jess Willetts, Kerry Garrick, Judy James, Laura Mettam, Leia Timmins EMN-210419-092933001

Gallery: Glorious weather boosts the great reopening of pubs and restaurants and holiday parks report busy with bookings

It was perfect weather for Sleaford people to enjoy the first weekend since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions, meaning pubs and restaurants could open for customers seated outside.

After four months of closure, pubs and eateries threw open their doors after making a special effort to have their outdoor areas looking customer ready and make up for lost revenue.

With the likelihood of alcohol-fuelled antics and conflict occurring as people overdid it, Lincolnshire Police offered words of warning about the need to continue to follow the rules of social distancing.

They warned on Friday: “Don’t go from locked down to locked up – drink responsibly, keep your distance, and follow the rule of six or two households.”

Sure enough, it was described as being a busy few shifts across the county over the weekend.

The Jolly Scotchman in Holdingham has undergone a significant garden investment ahead of reopening outside.

The pub in Holdingham opened its garden to happy revellers to enjoy their first pulled pint and pub grub since closing in November as a result of the last coronavirus lockdown.

As part of the five-figure investment, it has introduced an outdoor terrace with heaters, wifi, sound system, new lighting, and more seating.

General manager, Ed Binns, said they were pleased to be back after such a long period of closure: “The garden is looking fantastic and it is such an exciting time as we welcome guests, both new and old.”

It was also the first week people could enjoy self-catering holidays again under the roadmap and holiday parks in the area reported being busy already and booking up fast.

Paula Ireland of Heath Farm touring caravan site in North Rauceby said the site was full at the weekend: “The site opened on Monday. We had plenty of bookings taken beforehand, some as far ahead as September.

“Only basic facilities are currently available with a view to being fully open by the beginning of July.”

They warned on Friday: “Don’t go from locked down to locked up – drink responsibly, keep your distance, and follow the rule of six or two households.”

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