Many people in England are rejoicing, because pubs and restaurants have opened back up again after being shuttered for nearly 14 weeks. Going to a pub (pre-lockdown) was often a great way to meet up with friends, socialise and just have a good time, so it’s understandable that people are desperate to get back to the bar and enjoy time with friends.

Across England, pubs are doing their absolute best to make it as safe as possible when you are in there. Precautions such as, protective plastic screens, spaced out tables and lowered capacity have been implemented to protect anyone wishing to grab a drink.

Some pubs are experimenting with an app ordering system, meanwhile, the Wetherspoons pub chain has said its staff will be provided with face masks and protective eyewear and it will run a reduced food menu, although, none of this is strictly required by the government. Social distancing has been reduced from 2m to 1m as well.

It’s not yet been announced when or how Scotland, Wales and Ireland will reopen pubs and restaurants. The reasoning behind this decision not to follow in England’s footsteps is that it is too early and too risky for public health, but it remains to be seen whether this more cautious approach proves to be. Many are certainly rooting for lockdown to just be over.

The hospitality industry was the third-largest employer in the country in 2018, according to UK Hospitality. But many restaurants and cafes were already struggling even before the Covid-19 outbreak, in the face of rising rents costs and falling consumer spending.

​Here are some facts about the UK hospitality industry: