Pubs, restaurants, cinemas and cafes were among the businesses able to open their doors again today as restrictions were eased in Blackburn.

Business owners breathed a sigh of relief as indoor hospitality and entertainment were able to return, despite concerns over the spread of the Indian variant of coronavirus in the borough.

The Postal Order had customers in for breakfast and a pint with general manager, Andrew Ibbotson, saying that although it is great to be back, they are looking forward to the June lifting for things to feel more ‘normal’.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Postal Order was busy, with punters excited to get back into a pub

The Postal Order was busy, with punters excited to get back into a pub

He said: “It’s lovely to be back. It’s good the substantial meal rule is gone - not having to count how many drinks people have had.

“Table service still makes it hard work. We got new iPads and the app which makes it easier. Everyone is happy to be back and raring to go.

“I’m looking forward to June when restrictions are lifted and people can come up to the bar - then it will feel normal.”

Other pubs and restaurants have also welcomed customers back, with staff at the Rock Box saying they are relieved to see customers sat inside.

Landlady Karen Joss said: “Everybody is relieved. They have enjoyed being inside and being warm.”

Bartender Ann Earnshaw said: “We are hoping this is it for good - we are hoping we don’t have another lockdown.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Bartender Ann Earnshaw from the Rock Box pouring a pint

Bartender Ann Earnshaw from the Rock Box pouring a pint

Tenpin, at Peel Leisure and Retail Park, was finally able to let bowlers back on the lanes yesterday.

Peter Martin, 54, was out bowling with two adults he cares for, Robert Duxbury, 37 and John Tomlinson, 76, on their first outing since March 2020.

Lancashire Telegraph: (L) John Tomlinson, 76, and (R) Robert Duxbury, 37, who are out at the bowling alley on their first outing in 14 months

(L) John Tomlinson, 76, and (R) Robert Duxbury, 37, who are out at the bowling alley on their first outing in 14 months

He said: “It’s good to be out again. We are caring for two adults with learning difficulties and this is the first time we have been out in 14 months.

“They are loving it.”

With John adding: “We have been really looking forward to coming here.”

In the town centre, coffee shops have also been welcoming customers back inside.

Claire Khan, 35, owner of sandwich bar Well Bread, said: “They all seem dead excited, happy to be back, happy to be able to come and sit down.

“It has felt better today, it has definitely felt busier and there has been a bit of a buzz in the place and a bit of noise.

“Dinner time the whole seating area was absolutely full.”

In the Mad Hatter’s Tea Room, manager Julie Sheppard is delighted to be back open again after seven months.

She said: “We have had some regulars back in which has been nice. It’s just nice to get back to normality again.

“I hope that we don’t go back into lockdown again.”

Lancashire Telegraph: (L) Julie Sheppard and (R) Elloise Walker working at the Mad Hatter's Tea Room

(L) Julie Sheppard and (R) Elloise Walker working at the Mad Hatter's Tea Room

Michael Davidson, 26, a supervisor at Rhode Island Coffee, said: “It’s not been absolutely chocka, we thought town would be absolutely full of people but that’s not been the case, but we have had a much busier day and have taken about double the takings we would usually take.

“No-one seems nervous to be honest, I think everyone just seems happy to be back, and everyone has played by the rules today.

“I feel happy here and I feel safe, as a business we are doing all we can, we are doing what we are told to do.”

Indoor attractions were able to open, with the Reel Cinema opening for the first time, five months after originally planned.

General manager, Michelle Howarth said: “It’s seriously exciting - the public need this.

Lancashire Telegraph: One of the screens at the Reel Cinema

One of the screens at the Reel Cinema

“We need to get some kind of normality and spend time with our friends and family.

“It’s been fantastic and hectic. We have been really busy.”

Following the news that the Indian variant is spreading in areas of the town, the cinema, which has eight screens, has intensified its cleaning regime and staff are asking the public to follow the strict guidance including checking in, the one-way systems and sanitising stations to keep safe.

Despite table service being mandatory in restaurants, the concessions stands are open to buy food and drink, however once it is bought, you cannot eat it unless you are sat in the cafe area or cinema.

Following a successful first day of business again for some, business owners will be hoping that, despite discussion from Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock late last week, that the town will continue to avoid a localised lockdown.