THIRSTY Brits hit the pubs hard for the first Friday night of indoor drinking after being left out in the cold for months.
Cities across the UK were packed at the start of the weekend – with lots of defiant downpours to cover their favorite drinks.
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Despite the wet weather, the drinkers came to the city of BirminghamImage Credit: SnapperSK
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The rainy weather in Leeds didn’t stop avid punters from leaving tonightPhoto credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Friends in Leeds pose under an umbrella for their big eveningPhoto credit: NB PRESS LTD
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The British were dying to go to the pubs on the first Friday for months to have a drink insideImage credit: NNP
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These two Newcastle girls were prepared for the wet weatherImage credit: NNP
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The streets of Birmingham were full of night owlsImage Credit: SnapperSK
In Newcastle, sturdy night owls dressed to the nines when they were among the first at the bar.
In Soho, in the center of London, the bar-goers sat in front of the numerous bars and restaurants of the capital despite the rain.
The pubs and restaurants of Leeds, Birmingham and Cardiff were also busy at 9pm.
Excited punters have been seen walking the streets after making the most of their newfound freedoms.
Landlords are hoping for a busy weekend after months of Covid lockdowns.
Emma McClarkin, General Manager of the British Beer & Pub Association said, “The excitement for going back to the pubs means the demand is higher.
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Hardy revelers dressed to the nines when they ran first to the barImage Credit: SnapperSK
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The pubs and restaurants of Leeds, Birmingham and Cardiff were also busyImage Credit: SnapperSK
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Revel in Cardiff city center when Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were easedImage credit: WNS
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Some were more than happy to play in front of the camerasImage credit: WNS
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These friends were ready to brave the rain for some much-needed funImage credit: WNS
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Two women raise a glass to be able to drink again after months of restrictionsPhoto credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Friends laugh as they are blown by the wind and rainPhoto credit: NB PRESS LTD
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The chance for freedom meant that many would brave the stormy weatherPhoto credit: NB PRESS LTD
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The rain didn’t stop playing for these girlsImage credit: NNP
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Delighted punters could be seen at work in the pubs a few minutes after the startImage credit: WNS
“But there is still plenty of beer for everyone. Visit your local and enjoy a fresh beer.”
But Boris Johnson has urged the British to enjoy their new freedoms with a “high dose of caution”.
Delighted punters could be seen in the pubs minutes after stopping at work tonight.
Step three on Boris’ roadmap is the biggest unlock yet – with hugs, holidays, and the occasional sex back on the map.
And those who brave the rain can gather in groups of up to thirty in a pub garden.
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This couple is clearly ready for some clubbingImage credit: WNS
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Everyone has clothed themselves with somewhere – finallyPhoto credit: Huw Evans
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Landlords are hopping on a busy weekend after being hit hard by months of bansImage credit: NNP
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These guys definitely weren’t dressed for the weatherImage credit: WNS
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For many it was great to enjoy a “normal” Friday eveningImage credit: WNS
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However, not everyone chose to drink insidePhoto credit: w8media
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People drinking and eating in the rain in Soho, LondonPhoto credit: w8media
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Friends catch up with a drink on Friday nightPhoto credit: w8media
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The streets in central London were busyPhoto credit: w8media
Customers still have to order, eat and drink while seated – and put the bar off the table for the time being.
When not sitting – for example, when being brought to a table or going to the bathroom – punters need to make sure they wear face-coverings.
Despite a greater number of people allowed to meet outside, social distancing between different groups is encouraged.
It’s the first weekend since November that all Brits can mingle again.
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When the UK came out of its second lockdown, almost all areas of the country were overturned in Tiers 2 and 3 – indoor meetings banned.
Those in tier 2 could only hit households in pubs – with alcohol that was only served with a substantial meal – while in tier 3 all drinkers were closed.
Only a handful of Tier 1 Britons – in Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly – could meet in pubs and restaurants.
The British are blowing £ 2.8 a minute on Mad Monday as pubs, cinemas and bingo halls finally open indoors
