PHOTOS: Customers enjoying their first meals and pints in Bolton

After months of lockdown, excited pub-goers and restaurant-lovers flocked to the outdoor areas of local venues.

We have tracked down some of the businesses that were open yesterday to catch up on how they found the day.

We also caught up with some locals who enjoyed their first meal or pint at local businesses. 

Here are some of the stories and photos they shared:

Ciao Baby Italian Restaurant  said yesterday’s reopening “felt like opening day all over again”.

They added: “We want to express our gratitude for all who joined us on reopening night, and to the customers who've booked in with us in the coming days and weeks.”

Many people flocked to Middlebrook Retail Park for a taste of Italy at Luciano’s at Middlebrook.

(Facebook/ @Lucianosatmiddlebrook)

Posting to Facebook, they wrote: “It was so nice to see so many happy and much missed faces yesterday.

“Remember no booking is required for the tables and Middlebrook have kindly also made a “car free zone” with extra benches.”

Gemma Quin took at trip to the newly reopened Trafford Centre before enjoying food and drink with her husband, Julian Quin, at Retreat Bolton on Chorley Road.

(Photo: Gemma Quin)

He was celebrating his 55th birthday.

Staff at The Cherry Tree at Blackrod were fully prepared for the busy day ahead.

(Facebook/ @cherrytreeatblackrod)

We caught up with the owner ahead of the reopening.

Owner, Tom Taylor, said: “We have put up some temporary marquees and outdoor seating.

“Guest can expect heaters, branded blankets and fairy lights...we tried to make the outdoor area as appealing and comfortable as possible”.

Gene Watts enjoyed a drink at the Hen and Chickens in Deansgate.

Outside the Hen and Chickens (Photo: Gene Watts)

Barristers Bar in Churchgate also had a successful reopening.

Posting to Facebook, they wrote: “After our very successful and busy reopening last night we would like to thank all our customers.

“Thank you for keeping us super busy, thank you for adhering to all our rules and government guidelines and thank you for being you!
 

“It’s so nice to finally be able to open our doors again to customers, both old and new! We can’t wait to see more of you over the coming days and weeks!”

The Strawberry Duck in Entwistle also opened yesterday.

(Facebook/The Strawberry Duck)

They posted a photo of their neighbours “enjoying their first real pint of the year”.

Louise Charnock shared a photo of her partner, John Doxsey at The Nook and Cranny in Bromley Cross.

(Photo: Louise Charnock)

Posting to Facebook she wrote: “Long awaited pulled pint of beer for John , thank you Nook and Cranny team.”

Pub goers were also spotted at The York on Newport Street.

(Photo: Gene Watts)

Jo-Lene Rochelle and her friend enjoyed their first pint and bite to eat at Café Italia in Moss Bank Way.

(Photo: Jo-Lene Rochelle)

Did you head to a local pub or restaurant yesterday? Share your photos with us by emailing sarah.mcgee@newsquest.co.uk