PUNTERS flocked to pubs across Basingstoke over the weekend as doors opened for the first time in four months.

Pubgoers were in high spirits from 10am on Saturday, July 4, as they ordered their first pint whilst adhering to social distancing policy.

The Maidenhead Inn and The Angel in Basingstoke were handing out trace and tracker forms to customers as they sat down to order their pub grub on the app.

Quality controller of medical equipment, George Calearuse, 40, from Popley, said: “I love being at The Maidenhead Inn and having a drink.

"I like drinking beers and whisky. I am very happy for Spoons to be opening after it was closed for so long. It’s a big release.”

Basingstoke Gazette: George raised his bottle to The Maidenhead Inn reopeningGeorge raised his bottle to The Maidenhead Inn reopening

The peak hour hit at 2pm in The Angel Wetherspoon’s, as every single table was occupied by pubgoers, and queues extended around the corner.

Assistant project manager, Callum Roberts, 23, from Camberley, said: “I’ve come here as am meeting up with people from work and catching up with them for a pint.

Basingstoke Gazette: Callum caught up with his work colleagues at The Angel Callum caught up with his work colleagues at The Angel

“I’m not a pub person but like being here. It’s a nice social environment. I plan on just stopping for 30 minutes.”

But not all punters headed to Wetherspoon’s for a work catch up.

Four youths ordered six pints, and eight shots for starters.

Basingstoke Gazette: Four boys order their drinks on the Wetherspoon's appFour boys order their drinks on the Wetherspoon's app

Student, Alex Brace, 19, from Tadley, said: “I have been looking forward to Spoons opening for months.

“I can’t remember what I’ve drunk.

"I am just happy that I can finally enjoy downing a few pints with my friends.”

Two women at The King of Wessex pub raised their glasses to the popular haunt reopening as they ordered a pint of lager and glass of wine.

Basingstoke Gazette: The ladies raise their glass to The King of Wessex reopeningThe ladies raise their glass to The King of Wessex reopening

Louise McCabe, 42, from Brookvale, said: “Its brilliant that the King of Wessex has reopened. I’ve just ordered a lager.

“I plan on staying until closing.

"I love the people because it’s a great community pub and have been a regular for 12 years.”