FRIENDS and families have been enjoying getting out and having a cuppa or something stronger at Merry Hill this week with the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Among those having their first post-lockdown treats out were Brian and Helen McQuillan, from Brierley Hill, who tucked into tea and cake at the M&S’s cafe at the shopping centre, and Dudley friends Claire Jessup and Syreeta Dyas-Bailey who caught up over a G&T at Dr Eamers Emporium at The Waterfront.

Dudley mum Danielle Whale enjoyed her first post-lockdown coffee and cake with her eight month old daughter (Daisy Whale) at Merry Hill’s Costa café; while Stourbridge mum Sian Bennett treated her four children - l-r - Bal, Jade, Zara and Caylen to the delights of the recently opened Indian Tavern at The Waterfront.

Steve Hargreaves, operations manager at Merry Hill, said: “It was great to see many of our visitors enjoy dining-in at our restaurants and cafés for the first time this year.

“The atmosphere at Merry Hill was wonderful to experience, as visitors were making the most of what our eateries have to offer whilst reuniting with their loved ones.

"From meeting friends for cocktails to families enjoying a meal in their favourite restaurant, it was a special moment for everyone.

“Many of our hospitality staff were also ecstatic to finally open their doors again.

“Over the last few months, we’ve welcomed a host of new food and drink additions to the centre and we can’t wait to announce even more new openings over the next few months.”