It was a wet start to the latest relaxation of lockdown rules as indoor hospitality returned across the country on Monday, May 17.

In Andover, plenty of customers visited cafes and restaurants across the town after periodic downpours gave them the perfect opportunity to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat away from the weather.

Boswell’s Café was one of the venues which has been closed and unable to serve customers indoors owing to lockdown restrictions. Charlie, the manager, said “it feels very good to be back”.

“We've had a really positive response from customers so far, and lots of regulars coming back, he said."

One of these customers was Trina, who had popped in to the café while her husband was out having his eyes tested.

She said: "It's great to be able to sit down, I've been looking forward to it. The outdoor reopening restricted where you could go, as you had to find covered places, so a chance to sit inside is great!"

Charlie is hoping to attract more customers as the reopening gathers pace, saying: “We're hoping to get a bit more footfall in the town as the reopening continues, and are running promotional discounts and a new summer drinks menu go try and draw people in.”

Meanwhile, on the high street, Canto Gelato has been doing takeaways throughout lockdown, and managed to reopen outdoors in April. While they were having a quiet Monday, co-owner Kelly Jones said it was a positive start.

"It's nice to have people in," she said. "We had all three front tables filled earlier, and it was strange to see people sat in here again. But it was really comforting too. We're going to see how the reopening goes, and hope the weather picks up a bit."

"There's a few things coming up like the car boot we're getting involved in, and we'll have a gazebo at the Town Mills for that. It's just nice to be open again."

Nationally, the government has welcomed the return of more businesses, but has urged caution amongst the general public.

In a statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Together we have reached another milestone in our road map out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution.

“We are keeping the spread of the variant first identified in India under close observation and taking swift action where infection rates are rising.”

He said the “current data does not indicate unsustainable pressure on the NHS”, and that second vaccine doses are being accelerated to give the greatest protection to the most vulnerable.

“But now everyone must play their part – by getting tested twice a week, coming forward for your vaccine when called and remembering hands, face, space and fresh air,” he added.

From today (May 17), rule changes mean that Andover residents will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 30, and indoors in groups of six, or two households.

Pubs and restaurants are able to serve customers indoors with table service, while cinemas, museums, theatres and concert halls will be allowed to reopen, although there will be capacity limits on large events.

Up to 30 people will be allowed at weddings, and the cap on the number of mourners attending funerals will be lifted, in line with the safe capacity of the venue.

Secondary school pupils will no longer be told to wear face masks in class and communal areas, and university students will return to campus for in-person lectures.

The “stay in the UK” restriction will lift and people will be able to travel to “green list” countries without having to quarantine, provided they take one post-arrival test.