VENUES have been “brought back to life” since lockdown restrictions were eased, as bosses say they’re ready for a booming summer with a spike in bookings.

Despite the rainy weather, most businesses have seen packed tables since they were allowed to open their doors a week ago.

Lockdown restrictions were eased last Monday, meaning hotels could welcome back guests and pubs and restaurants were allowed to offer indoor dining.

The Roslin Hotel underwent refurbishment during the last lockdown so it could accommodate more guests.

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  However managing director, Jacqui Dallimore, said the hotel has been “brought back to life” since customers were allowed back inside.

Jacqui said: “It has come alive.

“We were fully booked all weekend and we’re getting booked up right the way through the summer. It’s looking really positive. Most weekends are full.

“My biggest thing is it’s so wonderful to know that come rain or shine we can fulfil our guests’ wishes.

“I so hope that things remain open even if we don’t have the full re-opening on June 21.”

The Roslin has employed an extra 15 staff and are looking to employ another 15 to help them meet the high demand of customers wanting to visit the hotel.

New to the kitchen is also a former Gordon Ramsay staff member.

On Saturday alone, the hotel welcomed 430 people into its restaurants to dine.

Jacqui added: “We’ve been brought back to life. You can hear it is buzzing.

“The staff are working so hard and I do thank each and every one of them.

“It’s just been so wonderful to welcome back both regular and new guests into the hotel.”

Antony Tomassi had a queue of people waiting to come into his Italian restaurant, Tomassi’s, on Monday.

The restaurant was also fully booked for lunch and dinner over the weekend.

Antony said: “It’s so lovely welcome customers back. They are so happy to be back out. It’s like another world for them.

“A lot of our customers have had the jab and they feel quite safe to be out.

“We had people waiting to come in when we opened on Monday.

“We have been really busy it’s been an incredible feeling.”

It’s not just business owners that are happy to see indoor dining return.

Jordan James, a punter at the Royals Hotel, said: “It’s so nice to be back out. It’s good that we’re able to sit inside now. It almost feels like a bit of normality again.”

David Garrett, owner of the Royals Hotel, said: “It’s lovely to have people back.

“I’m looking forward to June 21 when we can open the upstairs too.

“It’s been booming with customers. It’s been really good. It’s been a huge boost to staff as well.”

However not all businesses have seen people rushing back to sit inside.

Tables at Chinnery’s were packed on Saturday – but with most people sitting outside as they made the most of the sunny weather along the seafront.

Co-owner Simon Patterson said: “We are weather reliant so it has been a quieter week while it’s been raining.

“We know if it’s wet or raining then we aren’t going to get people down here but we’re not worried at all.

“We’ll be able to open the venue at full capacity in June which will be great.

“It’s great to have people back whether they’re inside or outside. It’s refreshing.”