People from Stroud are spending seven per cent more in pubs than the English average after outdoor hospitality reopened on April 12.

The average transaction in pubs in Stroud was £17.09 last week – up 46 per cent on the typical spend across an average week before the pandemic of £11.67, according to analysis by banking firm Revolut.

This is £1.09 more than the UK average, £16.03, and one pub benefitting from the buzz is the Old Fleece in Woodchester.

“It’s all systems go which is good, it’s absolutely brilliant to have everyone back in,” said manager Oliver Beardsley.

“We’ve got so many regulars that come in week in, week out, every day.

“For us it’s not about the money side of it really, it’s more about making sure that everyone’s having a good time.”

All Mr Beardsley’s staff are working again, keeping up with more than 120 tables full of customers per day.

“There’s definitely more of a buzz because everyone wants to have a good time.

“I think we’re going to get busier and busier as the months roll into summer and the sun is shining and people are happy to get out. It’s going to be great.”

The picture is not quite so bright yet for all venues as some have limited or no outdoor space - the only place patrons can sit until May 17 due to Covid restrictions.

Overall spending in Stroud pubs is down 40 per cent compared to the February before the pandemic.

Hospitality data specialists at CGA said operational constraints and the unpredictable British weather mean three in four venues in England are still closed.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director, added: "While some may open over the next few weeks, we will have to wait another four weeks until it is feasible for many hospitality venues to reopen again.

"Until then, operators deserve support from local authorities to make the most of outdoor trading space – not to mention some sunshine.”