It was the news that pub and restaurant owners, and customers, across the UK had been waiting for - they can reopen on Saturday, July 4.
After the announcement was made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday, June 22, however, businesses in Leicester and surrounding areas were dealt a blow when Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed this week that the area was to be put into a local lockdown.
That means that non-essential shops have had to close, schools will shut from today and pubs and restaurants in the lockdown zone will no longer be able to reopen this weekend.
As well as Leicester city, the affected area includes Oadby and Wigston, some parts of Blaby district and some parts of Charnwood.
There are, however, many Leicestershire pubs and restaurants that are outside the lockdown zone and taking the first opportunity to reopen - all with new safety measures in place.
They will also be taking customers' contact details, which they will keep for 21 days, to assist with the NHS Test and Trace service. It means customers can be alerted if it emerges they have unwittingly been in the vicinity of someone later diagnosed with the illness.
Of course, those living in the lockdown zone should not travel outside of that area. Therefore, many places will be checking postcodes and asking for photo ID.
These Leicestershire pubs and restaurants are set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
Steamin' Billy pubs - The Railway, Hinckley; The White Bear, Hinckley; The Horse and Trumpet, Sileby.
These Steamin' Billy pubs in Leicestershire will reopen on Saturday, July 4.
Some are taking table bookings.
For further details, visit the website here.
The Wheeltapper, Loughborough
The Wheeltapper will reopen on Saturday, July 4, but only to customers with bookings.
To book, contact via the Facebook page, call 07854025680 or email John@wheeltapper.co.uk
The pub has reminded people from within the Leicester lockdown area that they are not currently able to visit.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The New Blacksmith's Pub, Loughborough
This Loughborough pub is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4, and in response to the Leicester lockdown will be putting in place a proof of address system for people the staff do not know or recognise.
Anyone who is not recognised will be asked to provide a driving licence or other form of identity.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Queen's Head, Belton
The Queen's Head is reopening on Saturday, July 4 and is requesting that guests book tables in advance, for both food and drinks.
Due to the local lockdown, it is asking for proof of address from people the team does not know or recognise.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Plough, Ashby de la Zouch
The Plough is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
New guidelines include a one way system in the pub.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Old Bull's Head, Woodhouse Eaves
The Old Bull's Head has announced it will reopen on Saturday, July 4.
Saturday is now fully booked, but you can book a table for another day via the website here.
The Curzon Arms, Woodhouse Eaves
The Curzon Arms is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
You need to book a table to guarantee entry as it is seated table service only. Send a message via Facebook, call 01509 890377 or email: info@thecurzonarms.com
Due to the Leicester lockdown, you will be asked for your postcode and you will need to provide both address and photo ID before entering the pub.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Grey Lady Restaurant, Newtown Linford
The Grey Lady is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
New menus are being introduced, including a lunch menu, terrace menu, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.
Saturday is now fully booked, and there are limited spaces for Sunday.
To book a table, call 01530 243558.
The Red Admiral, Broughton Astley
The Red Admiral has revealed it will reopen on Saturday, July 4.
Changes will include a one way system.
It says it will be using common sense and due diligence when allowing people in within the guidelines of the local lockdown.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
Fourwards at Ashfields, Earl Shilton
This Earl Shilton restaurant is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
Due to the Leicester lockdown, the restaurant will be asking for customers' postcodes when they book, and will be checking a form of photo ID on arrival at the restaurant.
To book, call 01455 841 556.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Dovecote, Narborough
The Dovecote has announced it will reopen on Saturday, July 4 and is taking table bookings for diners, via the website here.
The pub, which is close to the red line boundary, has made a plea that anyone living within the lockdown zone does not visit, and reserves the right to refuse admission to those whose address is within the lockdown zone.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
Beerhouse, Market Harborough
Beerhouse is due to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
It will be offering table service with a reduced capacity of seating inside and outside.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The White Swan, Shawell
This country pub and restaurant is reopening on Saturday, July 4.
You can book a table via the website here.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
Barnacles Restaurant and Bar Bistro, Hinckley
Barnacles is taking bookings for diners from Saturday, July 4.
It will not be taking bookings from anyone in the Leicester lockdown area, and customers will need to show photo ID on arrival to prove that their address is not in the lockdown area.
To book, call 01455 633220.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Pestle and Mortar, Hinckley
The Pestle and Mortar is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
Collections and deliveries will still be available.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The New Baron of Hinckley
This Hinckley pub will reopen on Saturday, July 4 - when it will also launch its new food offering.
Customers will be able to enjoy Niri Niri’s Spiffin’ Chicken - a menu of flame-grilled chicken dishes.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Elbow Room, Hinckley
The Elbow Room is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
Hercules Revived, Sutton Cheney
Hercules Revived is reopening on Saturday, July 4.
You can book a table by calling 01455 699336 or via the website here.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Vintage Inns pubs - The Badger's Sett at Cropston, The Packe Arms at Loughborough, The Quorndon Fox at Quorn
These Vintage Inns pubs are taking booking for diners from Saturday, July 4.
Click here to visit the website.
Miller and Carter, Hinckley and Rothley
Miller and Carter is taking bookings for its steakhouses from Saturday, July 4.
Click here to visit the website.
The Oat Hill, Market Harborough
This Market Harborough pub and restaurant is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
To make a booking, email: theboss@theoathill.co.uk
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Freemasons Arms, Market Harborough
This Market Harborough pub is reopening on Saturday, but is already fully booked for that day.
To book a table for another day, call 01858 440743.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Waterfront, Market Harborough
The Waterfront has announced that it is continuing with its plans to reopen on Saturday, and the site and all staff are outside of the lockdown area.
Valid ID will be required to ensure customers are not travelling from within the lockdown area.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Sycamores Inn, Burbage
The Sycamores will reopen on Saturday, July 4 - but it will be welcoming regulars and locals only.
There will be a queuing system in place to enter the pub around the back.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Stag and Hounds, Burrough on the Hill
The Stag and Hounds is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4, with food service beginning on Sunday, July 5.
It is asking customers to book where possible, but is remaining flexible to try and accommodate all customers.
Call 01664 454250.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
Amore, Melton Mowbray
This Melton restaurant is set to reopen on Saturday, July 4.
Bookings are required as capacity is limited.
Call 01664 668280.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
Soi, Melton Mowbray
This Indian restaurant is reopening on Saturday, July 4.
To book, call 01664 431611.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Tap and Run, Upper Broughton
The Tap and Run is reopening on Saturday, July 4.
Table bookings are required. You can call 01664 820407 or book online here.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Langton Arms, Church Langton
The Langton Arms is reopening on Saturday, July 4.
You need to book a table to guarantee entry. Send a message via Facebook, telephone 01858 545396 or email: info@thelangtonarms.com
Due to the Leicester lockdown, you will be asked for your postcode and you will need to provide both address and photo ID before entering the pub.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Swan, Kibworth
The Swan has announced it is going ahead with its reopening plans this Saturday, as its site and staff are outside of the lockdown area.
Valid ID will be required to ensure people are not visiting from within the lockdown area.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Crown Inn, Old Dalby
The Crown Inn is reopening on Saturday.
You need to book a table to guarantee entry. Send a message via Facebook, telephone 01664 820320 or email:info@thecrownolddalby.com
Due to the Leicester lockdown, you will be asked for your postcode and you will need to provide both address and photo ID before entering the pub.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Royal Oak, Great Dalby
The Royal Oak has announced that it is open this weekend and the next two weeks for the village of Great Dalby and surrounding villages only.
Anyone who is not recognised will be asked to provide a driving licence or other form of identity confirming their address.
It is also operating a strict booking policy.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Three Crowns, Wymeswold
The Three Crows is set to reopen on Saturday.
You will need to book a table, which can be done by calling 01509 880011 or via the website here.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Windmill Inn, Wymeswold
The Windmill Inn is reopening on Saturday.
You need to book a table to guarantee entry. Call 01509 881313 or email: info@thewindmillwymeswold.com
Due to the Leicester lockdown, you will be asked for your postcode and you will need to provide both address and photo ID before entering the pub.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
The Geese and Fountain, Croxton Kerrial
The Geese and Fountain has announced it will be reopening on Saturday.
For further details, visit the Facebook page here.
