CITY firms say their are delighted after an 'incredible number' of people flocked to Southampton for the first weekend since pubs and non-essential shops reopened.

Basked in sunshine, the city centre bustled with shoppers, pub goers, and those heading for a long overdue haircut, with some stores seeing long queues snaking around Above Bar Street.

Both Westquay and Marlands Shopping Centres saw eager shoppers lining up outside their favourite stores. Giles Semper, Executive Director of the Southampton BID said there were "incredible numbers of people in Southampton".

He says that the city was "overwhelmed with footfall" on Monday - when non-essential retailers reopened - and again at the weekend.

Giles added: “I am guessing that the queues at Primark, Urban Outfitters and Zara would have been among the longest in the country. It does feel that there was huge pent-up demand.”

He did warn that times still remain “much tougher” for businesses in hospitality and leisure.

Giles says that, for many, it’s simply not economical to bring staff back in when they are only able to serve a few customers.

Founder of Southampton-based Mettricks Coffee, Spencer Bowman, said he was happy to reopen, adding: “The sun shone down on our city this weekend, and it felt just amazing to see our customers sat outside eating brunch, drinking coffee, catching up. After a long, dark winter that’s been challenging for so many of us, this weekend felt like that first step back towards normality and a great summer for Mettricks and our city. Our business still has a battle to recover from the impact of Covid but we are ready to give it our all”

Meanwhile, revellers were also able to enjoy the delights of pub gardens across the city.

The weekend was deemed a “big success” by Aidan Lavin, director and head brewer at the Dancing Man Brewery.

He said: “It was a very, very busy weekend. It’s still challenging with the restrictions. We have been talking to the council about the potential of more tables and chairs outside. The atmosphere was great, the customers were reasonable and understandable and there was no trouble. It was a big success.”

He added: “It was absolutely thrilling. It’s been a long time coming. It’s sad to go into work and not seeing people. Seeing it come to life with lots of happy faces. It was a pleasure.”

A council spokesperson said: "

“Our Licensing team has fed back that the first weekend of the re-opening went well. Those premises that could re-open enjoyed seeing customers back. The main city centre areas were busy and compliance with COVID safety rules appeared generally good by both businesses and customers. The team had to give advice to a small number of premises around defining what constituted outside and sound levels on any music being played. Music played needs to be incidental background music/singing. We are investigating a small number of premises that are not following the guidance with regards to live music.

"Southampton City Council’s COVID marshals were working over the first week of the restrictions on businesses easing. The marshals have been supporting both the daytime retailers and the night time hospitality venues to ensure that these businesses can trade safely and customers observe the guidance on face coverings and social distancing.

"It is important to note that we all need to play our part in order to keep Southampton safe and stick to the safety rules.”