AS HOSPITALITY venues reopen today, staff and customers alike are preparing to return to their favourite spots.

Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues such as cinemas and hotels were permitted to reopen indoors – much to the delight many.

Paul Milsom, owner of Le Talbooth, in Dedham, explained it has been a tough start to 2021.

He said: “We have been trading outside and, after last year’s amazing hot weather we had in the spring, it was always bound to be the coldest April and May we’ve had on record.

"I said to my wife in February this would happen and it did!

“It has been an incredibly tough time but the British spirit has shone through. Customers have been very keen to come back and our staff have looked after people brilliantly.

“Getting physically closed by the Government is unbelievably difficult and debilitating, it’s been a such a tough mental challenge.

“But, we are genuinely so excited for the summer ahead. It’s the third time we’ve had to reopen and I’m hoping it’s third time lucky.”