Bolton's pubs and restaurants have reacted with anguish to the announcement that Greater Manchester will stay under tier 3 restrictions.

Many have taken to social media to let customers know they will not be opening soon. 

The Railway in Bromley Cross said: "It's with a broken heart we have to inform all our customers, we are staying in Tier 3 in today's announcement.

"Therefore all bookings will be cancelled with immediate effect for the foreseeable future. Please do not call us unless it's urgent as our team are taking unprecedented calls across the estate we have around 6000 bookings to cancel.

"We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas, and I promise we'll celebrate in about April 2021."

Retreat restaurant Bolton posted, saying: "So Matt Hancock has cancelled Christmas for us Northern Monkeys, meaning all reservations in December will now be cancelled.

"We’ll publish shortly our plan for next week regarding takeaways. Merry Christmas, from our beloved government."

The Thomas Egerton, in Blackburn Road, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we convey the government's decision to keep Greater Manchester and BOLTON IN TIER 3!! As a result The Thomas Egerton will remain closed until it is permitted to re-open.

"It is a woeful end to an awful year. We are all suffering and it is now the time that we ensure, come 2021, we are alive, healthy and ready to socialise again. Thank you all for your support and loyalty over the past year - I am so saddened that we cannot welcome you ‘home’ for Christmas and New Year. We will celebrate in the new year."

The Greyhound in the town centre, said: "It’s Tier 3 and not open til the new year at least for us! Devastating for our whole industry Hope every one has as good a Christmas as possible, try to stay positive."