Pub gardens in Basingstoke have reopened for the first time since December, offering a sigh of relief for people who have been locked up for months.

The atmosphere in pubs in Basingstoke last night was livelier than any other Monday nights, as people flocked to get into the groove and get back to the feeling of enjoying a night out.

One passerby reported cheers and pub-goers merrily singing Three Lions outside The King of Wessex early last evening as the sun was setting.

Lee Hamerston, the general manager of Spruce Goose Beefeater, said it was a nice and safe reopening as the sun was shining most of the day and all the customers behaved.

“It was a good day,” Mr Hamerston said.

“It was nice and safe and everybody enjoyed it.

“We normally sell more food than drinks. But yesterday we sold quite a lot of alcohol, more than food. But the good thing is everybody behaved.”

He added that it was nice to see the customers back.

“We got to see all our old customers, some new customers, and all our team again. We are so happy with the opening.”

Kevin Divall, the landlords of The Rising Sun in Basingstoke, said it was great to see the regular customers returning.

“It was so great to see people back again.

“We had a lot of regulars coming back and a lot of new faces.”

Mr Divall is also expecting a busy weekend, as the Rising Sun is fully booked for Friday and Saturday.