POST-LOCKDOWN life tasted sweet for many across the district as pubs and bars reopened as part of the gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions. Hospitality venues across the country can now serve customers outdoors as part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s four-phase roadmap. And ‘Magic Monday’ was a day punters and publicans alike had longed for and saw customers return for their first pub-poured pint in months. In Prudhoe, Claire Hepple-Brooks and family opened their beer garden for the first time after taking over the popular Dr Syntax pub. Customers included friends Jim McCue and Brian Lawson, who were delighted to meet up for a drink at their local having not seen each other throughout lockdown.