LOCKDOWN restrictions were eased over the weekend with people returning to pubs, cinemas and restaurants.

Thousands also had their first haircut for months as the biggest change in lockdown rules so far came into force.

At Twilo Hairdressing in Westbourne staff said they are booked up until September and many pubs are fully booked for several weeks.

Most pubs are operating on a booking-only system with customers having to reserve tables. Standing at the bar is not allowed.

They are also barred from having live music, table service must be used indoors and there must be contactless payments.

Pub managers are also being encouraged to ask for track and trace information from all customers entering their premises.

Staff at the Porterhouse in Westbourne said it had been “hard work” getting to this point but were happy to be open again, thanks to the support of their locals.

Despite fears that the pub experience may be different, most places had a friendly and lively atmosphere.

But some chose not to open.

The national chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) believes as many as half of pubs will stay shut for a while.

Nik Antona told the Press Association: “I think it’s going to be difficult for pubs. They are opening up under uncertain circumstances. They don’t know if they’re going to get their customers back.”

He added: “What you are finding is, some of the pubs haven’t even bothered opening – they want to see what’s going to happen.”

Fears that Bournemouth would be overcrowded proved unfounded, mainly due to cooler temperatures than in recent weeks.

At Urban Guild’s three venues across Bournemouth - Urban Beach, Urban Reef and Urban Gardens - business was brisk with more than 500 customers enjoying meals across the sites on Saturday.

Owner Mark Cribb told the Daily Echo: “It’s nice to be open - it’s a start. I don’t think this summer will be Utopia because this is the start of rebuilding, rather than being overwhelmed.

“As far as I am aware, everyone was behaving themselves so I would describe it as a solid start.”

A BCP Council spokesman said: “Opening weekend after lockdown appears to have gone very well with people following government guidance and being sensible when out and about. No reports of particular problems and we’re pleased that everyone appears to have been observing the respect, protect and enjoy message.”

BCP Council is urging people to ‘Keep Safe, Leave Plenty of Space’ as more venues open their doors to the public.

A series of colourful floor designs by local artist Rick Walker are being installed across the area as a constant reminder.

Members of the public will see abstract, stylized depictions of Bournemouth Pier, Christchurch Priory and Poole Harbour in bursts of kaleidoscopic colours and patterns contained in eye-catching circular floor vinyls.

Dolphins, sailing boats, leaping salmon and of course the beach are all featured in these delightful artworks.

Locations will include Poole Quay, Christchurch High Street and Bournemouth seafront.