Oxfordshire’s pubs are seeing a good level of bookings after a nightmare year.

At Wolvercote's Trout Inn, general manager Eoin McCarthy said there had been plenty of demand ever since the Government had announced the reopening.

He said: “Bookings have been really encouraging for weeks and it didn’t seem like the weather put off our hardy loyal guests.

"We are welcoming walk-ins when we have availability, but as interest has been strong we’d advise guests do book ahead if they can before popping down.”

Joe, from East Oxford's Big Society, said the number of reservations they were receiving showed people would continue to want to go out.

He said: "Yes, we were plenty busy yesterday but it was a very manageable and enjoyable evening! We are fully booked up for the weekend but there is still plenty of space for next weekend!"

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said The Swan and Castle is still the only Wetherspoon pub in Oxford to be open at present but "We expect the pub to be busy with people wishing to drink and eat in the area."

Many people clearly could not wait to get back to the pub on Monday.

At the Nightingale in Bicester, one punter was at the door at 9am, ordering a pint as soon as it was legally allowed.

Owner Alister Wilson said: “Yesterday was brilliant, unbelievable to be quite honest. Every table was full and we served about 85 people.”

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But he added that although this weekend’s forecast of good weather was very welcome the real goal was to welcome customers back indoors.

“We all know what the British weather can be like. Last night it got a bit cold at about nine and people tailed off so it’s absolutely good news that this weekend is going to be sunny.”

At the Fleece Inn on Church Green in Witney a bit of early morning snow yesterday failed to dampen the mood.

David Cumberlidge, of Peach Pubs, said: “We couldn't wait to open. The smell of fresh food being cooked again, the sound of bottles popping and wine glasses chinking, it was beautiful to see so many smiling faces enjoying their favourite pub, catching up with friends and family after such a long time.

“Long may it continue!"

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And Josh Mullett-Sadones, owner of Oxford’s James Street Tavern said he had 550 to 600 customers over the day.

He said: “It was a great day, really busy and positive and everyone was so happy. We opened at 12, closed at 11 and were full constantly.

“Unsurprisingly there were slightly longer waiting times but people were just relieved to be out. It was a little concerning when we saw snow in the morning but the sun came out at and it was a lovely day.

“Somebody said nature was healing and I thought that was really nice.

“It was a little bit chilly but we’ve got heaters – there were a few jackets and scarves but nobody came fully Michelin-d up.”