'It feels wonderful': Sun shines down as public returns to Kendal town centre

Outdoor seating areas in pubs were among the sites allowed to reopen after more than three months closed.

Among those enjoying a drink in the sunshine were friends Pat Nicholson and Kath Bradley, of Kendal, who were sat outside Ye Olde Fleece Inn in Highgate.

Mrs Nicholson said: “We knew everything was going to be open and we thought ‘we’ll just come out and see’.

“We have seen quite a few of our friends. It feels wonderful.

“We have still got to be careful, we know that, [but] it’s nice to be back again.”

Also outside Ye Olde Fleece were couple Amie Whyte and Ben Price, of Windermere.

Mr Price said: “We came to drop off some clothes, return some stuff, and we just thought ‘the pub’s open again, the sun’s shining, why not have a quick bev?'”

Miss Whyte said it was ‘lovely to see life getting back to normal’.

CHEERS: Amie Whyte and Ben Price outside Ye Olde Fleece Inn

Hair and nail salons as well as clothing shops and other non-essential retailers were also able to reopen. TK Maxx appeared to be popular with the public, with customers happy to queue to get inside.

Among those to visit the Stricklandgate store were Roberta Marsh, partner Martin Johnson and Mr Johnson’s son, Abe, 10.

Miss Marsh, of Kendal, said it felt good ‘not being cooped up in the house’ and that effective social distancing measures were in place in the shop.

SHOPPERS: Roberta Marsh with Martin and Abe Johnson

“Instead of online shopping, you can actually go and see what you’re buying,” she said.

“They have reduced the stock so everyone’s not crammed in. They have got someone on the door as well.”

A host of smaller retailers reopened in the town and were keeping their fingers crossed that the latest period of closure would be the last one, with more than 30 million people in the UK having now received at least one vaccine against Covid-19 and June 21 earmarked as the date on which social distancing restrictions will end.

The Microdot Boutique in New Shambles, whose products include framed promotional posters for iconic ‘90s bands, has doubled in size after expanding into the adjacent site vacated by Kendal Beauty.

Owner Brian Cannon said online sales for the business had benefitted from a boosted social media presence over lockdown - helped in part by a visit from former Oasis guitarist Bonehead.

He said the expansion would help the site become a ‘multi-purpose premises’ with ‘new online fulfilment, straightforward retail and an exhibition space as well’.

EXPANSION: Brian Cannon inside the Microdot Boutique next to the fireplace that featured on the front cover of 'Definitely Maybe'

Also along New Shambles is Begin with Nature, which sells handmade bath and body products.

“This was the longest and the hardest of the lockdowns we had,” said owner Sandra Rodrigues.

“I was closed and then I had online sales but not as much as if I’d had the shop open.

BUSINESS BOSS: Sandra Rodrigues, owner of Begin with Nature

“I have had a few customers [in today]. I think everyone is just enjoying the sunshine.”

Gwen Macauley, who runs Inglewood Cards in Highgate, said it was a ‘relief’ to be back.

WELCOME BACK: Gwen Macauley, of Inglewood Cards

“It feels great,” she said.

“Everyone has been so nice and encouraging and appreciative.

“I think if it had been raining people would still have come out, but it just feels more celebratory.”