Photos show Brighton on first weekend of pub gardens reopening

The streets were bustling with people on the first Saturday that non-essential shops and pub and restaurant gardens were able to reopen after more than three months of lockdown.

Photos show the scene on Brighton seafront today as friends and families were finally able to enjoy food and drink in the sunshine as bars, pubs and restaurants opened their outdoor seating areas.

There were queues outside major retailers in the city centre, with lines of people outside Primark and TK Maxx.

Queues outside TK Maxx today

The North Laine was busy with shoppers and people making the most of the warmer weather in beer gardens and outside cafes and restaurants.

The government's roadmap out of lockdown means that shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor hospitality venues were allowed to reopen on Monday.

Most outdoor attractions, such as zoos and theme parks, can also reopen, although wider social-distancing rules still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools opened, but for use by people on their own or in household groups.

It follows from a previous round of easing on March 29 allowing six people from any number of households or a group of any size from up to two households to gather in parks and gardens.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts reopened, with organised adult and children’s sport, including grassroots football, able to return.

People are still being asked to work from home where possible, and overseas travel remains banned.

From no earlier than May 17, most social contact rules outside will be lifted although gatherings of more than 30 will remain illegal.

Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply although the Government has said it will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.

Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.

Limited crowds will also be allowed at sporting events.

All remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted from June 21, allowing for larger events to go ahead and nightclubs to reopen.

The "roadmap" states: "Finally, before Step 4 begins on June 21 at the earliest, the government will complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to cut transmission.

"This will inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which the rules on one-metre plus, the wearing of face coverings and other measures may be lifted.

"This will also inform guidance on working from home – which should continue wherever possible until this review is complete."