I Am Open
Cheers! First pints are pulled at Teesside's pubs and drinkers say 'it's glorious'
The pumps are flowing and drinkers have returned after lockdown measures were eased
Joanne WelfordMulti-media Journalist
Cheers - the beer is flowing at Teesside's pubs and drinkers have returned to raise a glass this morning.
So called Super Saturday has seen lockdown restrictions eased across England and on Teesside that has meant pubs and clubs able to welcome back drinkers.
Among the first in line for a pint at The Swatter's Carr in Middlesbrough were Andy Morris and Trevor Smith.
Seated at a table inside the Linthorpe Road pub at 9am on Saturday morning they said it was good to be back.
"It's glorious! It's great to have a fresh pint and good company," said Andy.
Andy Morris and Trevor Smith at The Swatter's Carr in Middlesbrough
Anthony Dowson was also in the pub - but with a mug of coffee in front of him rather than a pint glass. Just getting out and being able to enjoy some company was what we wanted to do.
"It's great. Getting out and sitting with a coffee and a book with people around. It's been hard socially isolating at home on my own," he said.
Dave Salmon and his wife Liz were also at the Swatters Carr.
Dave Salmon and his wife Liz at The Swatter's Carr
"God it's been depressing stopping in all the time, going up the wall. Nowt to do apart from Hoover and clean and decorate," said Dave, who enjoyed a pint whilst his wife enjoyed a cuppa.
"I didn't like it," said Liz. "It's not that often I'd drink anyway but I like to come in and have a chat and things. Obviously with all the changes you can't even do that now."
"It's still nice to come out and socialise," added Dave. "My mates down there but she's told me off for going to talk to him. I can't - you would have to go outside.
"It's nice to come out, it's nice to see your mates who you haven't seen for three month. Just nice to see somebody different. It is good."
'Chalkie' White been looking forwards to first pint in 106 days (Image: Ian Cooper / Teesside Live)
Chalkie White was also among the first in Swatters.
He said: "It's been an absolute nightmare missing my pub. I usually go out every day for a few pints in the afternoon.
"I'm really glad to get back out and enjoy myself and see all my old friends which I've missed in my favourite pub."
Six days since NHS recorded a coronavirus death in hospitals on Teesside
How luxury hotel and golf resort Rockliffe Hall is to reopen and help guests stay 'touchless'
Alan Robson was the first to be served at popular Guisborough pub The Ironstone Miner on the town's Westgate.
"I thought it would be a big social occasion and that I'd be waiting in a queue to get in, but I'm here having a drink on my own now as I couldn't convince my friends to get involved in their first drink in 105 days," he said.
Staff in the pub were wearing PPE including face shields and notices were pub asking drinkers to keep the bar area clear and download the Wetherspoons app for table service.
Acklam and Linthorpe