'It's been a better day than we expected!" say city centre businesses

Optimism seemed to be the order of the day.

"It is just so nice to be outside!" said Jane Cobbitt, who was visiting York for the day from her home in Eggborough with mum Rosie and grandmother Betty Collins. "I've been stuck at home doing online college for so long!"

Jane Cobbitt, Betty Collins and Rosie Cobbitt enjoying a coffee in Parliament Street

First up for the family was shopping - bulging bags from Primark told the story. But then they had settled down for a 'nice cup of coffee' in the tented area at the bottom of Parliament Street.

"It's just good to see people out and having some fun!" added Mark Scott, who was enjoying a cup of coffee in the tent a couiple of tables away with work colleagues Mike Lowe and Jonny Lee. "It's exciting to see how busy it is!"

"It's exciting to see how busy it is!" Jonny Lee, left, Mike Lowe and Mark Scott enjoy a coffee under the tent in Parliament Street

Busy was the word. Most of the tables under the tent were full at 11am - and tables outside the Lucky Days café a bit further up Parliament Street were also all occupied.

"It's absolutely amazing!" said the café's owner Chris Holder. "We're having a better day than we anticipated!"

Among the customers enjoyiong coffee and cakes - and a chance for a long-awaited catch-up - at a table outside the café were friends Alan Easterbrook and Tim and Pat Holmes.

"The liberty is wonderful," admitted Alan, a retired teacher and keen amateur musician. "On a day like this, with weather like this, it couldn't have been better!"

Tim admitted that he remained cautious and 'a little bit worried' about getting too close to anyone. Having had his first Covid jab didn't make him less cautious, he said. "But it does make us feel better!"

Crowded tables outside Lucky Days café in Parliament Street

There were more tables set out in the sunshine in College Street, where twins and business partners Charlotte and Jennifer Davison, who run Crumbs Cupcakery, were doing a brisk business

The sisters kept busy during lockdown doing takeaways and home deliveries. "But it's not the same as seeing people!" said Charlotte.

Among those enjoying coffee and cakes at a table outside on College Street were Sara Huntley and Morwenna Wiggins.

"It's lovely to be here!" said Sara. "It's the first time I've been to a café since ... well, since the last time we came here! This is a beautiful spot. A bit chilly - but perfect!"

Twin sisters Jennifer and Charlotte Davison at Crumbs Cupcakes in College Street

Carl Alsop, the operations manager at York BID, said there was a 'really nice buzz' about the city centre when he walked around at lunchtime today.

Shops were busy - many of them with patient queues outside - and hairdressers and salons were doing a roaring trade, he said.

As for street cafés: "I haven't seen a space anywhere!"

Best of all, he said, was the fact that there didn't seem to have been any repeat of the occasional silly behaviour which spoiled things after lockdowns 1 and 2 last year.

"People are being sensible and safe, and giving each-other room. It feels like a real morale booster."

Generally, there was a real sense of optimism about what the future holds - and little in the way of fear that today's re-opening might lead to another wave of the virus.

"We're all keeping to the rules, restricting ourselves, wearing masks," said Rosie Cobbitt, finishing up her coffee back in Parliament Street. "Everybody knows what we need to do."

City of York Council leader Keith Aspden this evening described today as 'a milestone in our journey back to normal'.

"Many of the city’s wonderful hospitality and retail venues (are)  open once again," he said. "This would not have been possible were it not for our collective effort in protecting our city and each other."

But he added: "Whilst I know we will all be keen to experience all that York has to offer, we must remain vigilant and not throw away the sacrifices made by all through the last year.

“Our local businesses have put an incredible amount of time and effort in making sure they can safely welcome customers once again. They now need our support more than ever. We can say thank you for all their hard work by shopping local and supporting our amazing businesses after what has been a particularly difficult year.

“The next step of the roadmap will be announced on Monday 10 May, when we hope to see indoor hospitality return and rules on mixing in our homes lifted. We still have some time to go until then, so let’s keep up our efforts and keep each other safe and the places we love open.”