Venues throw open doors

THEY weren’t on strike... but entertainment and beauty businesses reopened yesterday.

James Thompson, seven, from Darlington, was among the first customers at the Hollywood Bowl in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.

Entrepreneur Haylee Benton said it was “super-exciting” to offer the full range of treatments again at her three beauty businesses.

Haylee, 32, runs Cecily Day Spa, Koha Clinic and Alchemy & I in Berkhamsted, Herts.

She said: “It’s been a huge struggle having to furlough the girls and move clients around. I’m relieved.”

Nail technician and beauty therapist Karen Neale, 47, who runs The Venue in Holbrooks, Coventry, along-side daughter Maddison NealeShankster, said: “It feels overwhelming to be back.”

Ice rinks reopened and distanced audiences were allowed in theatres.

Wedding receptions of up to 30 people are also now permitted.

The Rialto Grosvenor Casino in London’s West End reopened too.