The County Durham pub that had beer garden equipment delayed on the Suez Canal

Dawn Raine, manager of the Blackwell Grange Hotel in Darlington said that today is ‘the day we’ve all been waiting for’ as the venue joins thousands of others in throwing open its doors to customers - albeit with Covid restrictions.

• Here's a full list of non-essential shops that reopen today

And as if dealing with a global pandemic wasn’t enough, the landlord of the Black Horse pub in County Durham had to contend with his outdoor plans being affected by another international incident as some of his beer garden equipment was delayed by the marooned container ship that blocked the Suez Canal in March.

Despite that minor setback, landlord Anthony Tillbrook said he is raring to open today and has worked hard to create a holiday vibe in the pub’s grounds.

He said: “I wanted to make it feel like you were abroad at the Costa Del Ingleton, because not many people will get the chance to go away this year.

The Black Horse in Ingleton has a new outdoor garden area ready for pubs opening on Monday Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

“I didn’t want it to just be a few picnic benches outside but something really special.

“Unfortunately, some of my gas heaters were on the third ship in the queue at the Suez Canal so they have been delayed.

“They are on their way now, but they won’t be here for a while.”

Mr Tillbrook said Monday’s opening date gave him a ‘push’ to overhaul the pub beer garden.

• Here are the beer garden rules in England you'll need to follow

He said: “We are a small business so having the outside done gives us 16 tables outside.

“This means we can live with Covid in the short-term, and if people are still a bit wary about going inside, once restrictions have lifted further, we can accommodate them.”

Meanwhile, Blackwell Grange Hotel manager Dawn Raine said ‘excitement and anticipation’ has been building as staff look forward to welcoming customers into the hotel grounds once again.

She added: “After speaking with many regular guests, a taste of normality is top of everyone’s agenda, whether it’s a meal or a drink with friends, they are ready to brave all conditions to socialise once more.”

Dawn Raine, the general manager at the Blackwell Grange Hotel in the new outdoor area Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Staff have been busy preparing the venue to comply with the current Covid restrictions requiring customers to dine and drink outdoors.

This has included erecting a large festival-style marquee decked out with heaters and lights, along with picnic benches, blankets and a new outdoor dining menu.

Ms Raine said: “Our staff couldn’t be happier to be returning to work after long periods of furlough, and we are looking forward to catching up with all our regulars as well as welcoming new guests.”

Non-essential shops are also open for the first time in months today, and Yorkshire-based high street champion Dr Jackie Mulligan, who founded the local shopping campaign and platform ShopAppy.com said: “It feels like a liberation day for high street shops, for customers and for the neighbourhoods that surround them.

“These businesses rely on people coming through the door and the sense of community they create.”

Samantha Spence, who runs Crafts of Thirsk, said she could barely sleep due to the excitement of re-opening.

She added: “I have lots of new spring and summery ranges to tempt everyone.

“The layout of the shop has been remodelled to improve our customers shopping experience.”

Zetland Street Northallerton Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

While over in Northallerton, the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) team will be out on the high street today to welcome people back with random acts of kindness – such as buying shoppers free coffees and snacks and giving out free shopping bags.

BID manager Graham Bell said: “We just want to share the excitement of so many stores and businesses being allowed to open their doors again.

“Businesses have put in a huge amount of work to get ready and we know how much people have missed their favourite shops.

“Our high-profile events team will be making it a very happy Monday for shoppers selected at random for our acts of kindness.

“It’s our way of thanking them for supporting our town.”