With the first weekend of updated Covid restrictions done and dusted, pubs across Cumbria are thrilled to say it went without a hitch.

Under the latest government guidance, bars, pubs and restaurants are being forced to shut their doors at 10pm, and all customers should wear masks when inside until eating or drinking, in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The rules came into effect on Thursday, and it seems the first peak time for boozy nights out was a resounding success.

Kirkbride’s Inn at the Bush manager, Steven Williams, said: “Thankfully it was absolutely fine.

“Everyone knows what they are and aren’t allowed to do with the new restrictions, so there were no moans or groans – people just got up and left, which was quite weird to see!”

He added: “We had our weekly quiz night on Thursday, which was the first day the new rules came in, so that was quite strange to be doing a quiz with a mask, but everyone was fine with it.

“We got everything done in plenty of time, with about 15 minutes to spare I think, and it’s been the same all weekend.”

But the new restrictions haven’t been entirely welcomed.

“It’s a bit worrying because obviously we’ve got all the staff back on now, because everyone was told to go out and eat and visit pubs, and now it’s sort of telling people the opposite, so that’s not too great,” Steven said.

“We just want to tell people to come back!

“We really appreciate everyone’s co-operation with it all, and we’re still open and keeping within the guidelines, so please do come back to us.

"If everyone sticks to the rules, things will be alright – and if they don't, God knows what will happen!"

He added that the pub is continuing to offer 30% off meals and drinks throughout October following the success of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, offering customers a lovely meal out for a fraction of the usual price.

The Whittington Cat, in Whitehaven, is also pleased with how the initial weekend went, with staff member Stacey Hendren saying: “It was really great.

“Everyone stuck to the rules and there was no arguments or anything.

"We were all quite surprised, actually!"

She added: "We didn't have to tell anyone to put their mask on, they were all doing that anyway, which was brilliant.

"It went surprisingly well, and we're just really pleased – so Thanks everyone for sticking to the rules!"