Customers are gearing up for an eagerly anticipated return to pubs and restaurants this weekend - with extensive measures being taken across the sector to protect punters and staff.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the call that many had been waiting months for - “We will open restaurants and pubs” he told MPs on June 23.

It was one element of a package of measures announced by the PM, as he told the country that “national hibernation” is beginning to end, and “life is returning to our streets”.

He announced that large parts of the economy could reopen on July 4, with hotels, outdoor gyms and cinemas also given the green light to welcome back customers.

Sam Norman, who owns Dutch Uncle and Maggie Elliott & the Three Pillars in Carlisle city centre, has been working tirelessly to make his establishments safe for customers and staff. Both the Dutch Uncle and Maggie Elliott will reopen today (July 4).

“We’ve done as best as we can in terms of people coming in, with bookings only and no one is allowed to walk in,” he said.

“All menus are single print and are disposed of after use. Tables are completely cleaned and disinfected after each customer. The music can’t be too loud to avoid shouting. We’ve got sanitising stations and we have doormen to stop people coming in.”

Tables will also be spread out, staff will be given hand sanitisers and chefs will wear masks. Mr Norman is confident all possible measures are being taken.

“Some people say we can’t reopen safely, but tables are socially distanced, we’ve got less tables and have managed to keep them all at a distance of one metre,” he explained.

“I don’t think we can do much more. We’ve made it as safe as possible and it is at the discretion of the customer if they want to come in.

“We can control it well. We know exactly who is coming in, what time and with how many people. It’s limited to no more than six people from two households.”

Customers we also be asked to fill in a form to assist the Government’s “track and trace” system for coronavirus infections.

The information provided will allow the authorities to contact anyone who was in the bar or restaurant at the same time as someone who has since tested positive for the virus.

The Woodrow Wilson pub on Botchergate is also gearing up for welcoming customers again from tomorrow. Surfaces will be cleaned by two full-time staff and screens have been installed at the tills.

Staff will be provided with gloves, masks and protective eyewear, with the decision of whether to wear them down to the employee.

Manager Andrew Hetherington said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming our staff and customers back into the pub tomorrow.

“It is extremely popular and I know a lot of customers have missed visiting over the past few months.

“We can assure our staff and customers all safety measures have been put in place.”