Pubs and restaurants in Wiltshire have welcomed patrons inside today for the first time this year.

Lockdown rules have further eased to allow groups of six, or two households, to enjoy meals and drinks indoors, as well as groups of up to 30 outside.

The move will also see venues with no outdoor space reopen for the first time since the third lockdown hit.

Despite the rain in Devizes, by this afternoon (May 17) a steady stream of regulars had flocked back to their favourite watering holes.

At the British Lion, on Estcourt Street, staff were excited to welcome back customers.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Sam Beale, Michael Dearing and Sharon BarterSam Beale, Michael Dearing and Sharon Barter

Michael Dearing, owner of the freehouse, added it was about "much more than just alcohol."

He said: "It's a sense of companionship. It's been really good to see so many smiling and happy faces. To bring people joy, even in just a small way like this, is special.

"And it's much more than just alcohol. Pubs opening brings a sense of companionship, we have a number of single people in today and it's social for them."

To mark being able to open for the first time in six months, the British Lion have draught Bass on offer, from the home of English brewing Burton-on-Trent – the first pint pulled today.

At the White Bear, on Monday Market Street, there was already a flurry of activity.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Georgie and MarcGeorgie and Marc

One customer, from Bowerhill, said he had "stumbled upon" the pub while out walking and that it had been a great first choice for indoor drinks.

Georgie Price and Marc Fleming run the pub, which dates back to the 1500s.

She said regulars, known as 'the gang' were among the first in the doors.

"It's been really lovely to be able to open again. The last year has been quite difficult for publicans," she continued. 

"We opened at 12 and it's been great since then, we've had the gang back in and we're all just so excited to get back to normal."

Pub owners, such as Michael, Georgie and Marc, have had to deal with an ever-changing raft of restrictions since last March.

Grappling with outdoor seating, what constitues a substantial meal and managing stock amid lockdowns has been a challenge.

The British Lion chose to open two weeks ago rather than on April 12, when the strict rules made it too difficult to operate.

"It's been a lot of change," said Michael. 

"We're not a food pub, we're only an old fashioned alehouse so in that respect it has been easier for us, as we've not had the same wastage as other pubs."

"It has been confusing," agreed Georgie. 

"I felt a bit like a teacher to begin with, telling people what they could and could not do!

"But with the vaccine roll-out, it shows that things are getting better. We are just so happy to re-open."

For updates on pubs re-opening across the town, follow Devizes CAMRA or Indie Devizes.