Dozens of businesses in Southend are preparing to welcome back customers after the Prime Minister confirmed the easing of lockdown rules next week. 

Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve food and drink outside from Monday, while shops, gyms and hairdressers will also reopen. 

The new will be a major boost for the businesses and shops hoping to open up to customers for the first time in months. 

Speaking about the easing of lockdown, Boris Johnson told today's Downing Street press briefing: “We think that these changes are fully justified by the data, which shows that we are meeting our four tests for easing the lockdown.

“We set out our road map and we’re sticking with it.

“And I want to stress that we see nothing in the present data that makes us think that we will have to deviate from that road map."

A number of businesses in Southend have already confirmed they will be welcoming customers back next week. 

Here is what we know so far about the venues and sites planning to reopen.

The independent hospitality firms in Southend which have so far confirmed they will be reopening next week through Southend BID include:

  • Adventure Island and Advenutre Island Catering Outlets
  • Aurum Restaurant
  • Beaches Cafe Bar Bistro
  • Gleneagles Guesthouse Tearooms
  • Hamilton's Ice Cream Parlour
  • Lemon Witch
  • The Mariners Court
  • The Mermaid Cafe
  • Oyster Creek Kitchen
  • Peggy’s Music Bar
  • Peggy's Music Bar
  • Roslin Beach Hotel
  • The Royal Hotel
  • Sealife Adventure

A number of chain pubs have also confirmed they will be welcoming customers back, despite the restrictions on serving. 

They include:

  • The Elms, Leigh
  • The Parsons Barn, Shoebury
  • The Old Walnut Tree, Southend
  • Ye Olde Smack, Leigh

Pizza Express is another chain which has confirmed it will be reopening it's Southend restaurant on April 12. 

Are you planning to reopen next week? If so, email alexander.gidden@newsquest.co.uk so we can include your businesses in a round-up of places reopening