HOSPITALITY businesses and arts organisations are excitedly preparing to open their doors to the public after months of Covid closure.

On Monday Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed restrictions would ease from May 17, with hugs, trips and indoor drinking all on the cards.

Step three of the Government’s road map out of lockdown will allow indoor hospitality, indoor entertainment, and the rest of the accommodation sector to reopen.

The Rule of Six, or two households, will also apply for meeting indoors.

Phil Walker, landlord of the New Union in Kendal, said he was ‘really excited’ but said the industry is still struggling.

“It’s going to be great,” he said.

“The industry is still struggling and its struggling to recruit staff.

“But we’re all really excited about it and getting people back inside.”

One of Cumbria’s smallest museums – the Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal - is also looking forward to welcoming visitors back from May 18.

“We’ve missed our visitors and we hope our new Covid-19 compliant measures will make people feel confident about coming,” said museum manager Bridget Guest.

“For example, there will be less people in the museum at any one time, we have a one-way system, contactless payments and hand sanitiser stations.”

The Inn Collection Group, which owns The Angel Inn at Bowness, The Coniston Inn, The Swan at Grasmere, The Pheasant at Bassenthwaite, and The Ambleside Inn has completed its takeover of The Waterhead Hotel in Ambleside just in time for the easing.

Managing director Sean Donkin said the company is preparing for a ‘staycation boom.’

“We are thrilled to have completed on The Waterhead and to be bringing another extraordinary site into the group as we prepare for the expected staycation boom amid surging consumer demand for UK leisure destinations,” he said.

Lakeland Arts, responsible for venues including Abbot Hall in Kendal and Windermere Jetty museum will also begin opening sites from net week.

Rhian Harris, chief executive said: “We are absolutely delighted to finally reopen the doors and welcome visitors back to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Monday 18 May and Windermere Jetty Museum on Friday 28 May.

“Our team have worked hard to ensure visitors can safely explore our venues and we have an exciting new season of programming, events and activities that explore and represent our region’s cultural heritage.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors over the coming weeks.”