Drinkers enjoy a final late night out before new Covid rules kick in

Wet and windy weather marred England’s last night before the Government’s latest anti-coronavirus measures come into force.

As of Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must shut by 10pm – meaning time at the bar will be somewhere around 9pm.

Despite drizzle and grey skies, drinkers in Soho, London, were determined to make the most of their last night of freedom in what could be several months.

Patrons huddled under umbrellas while they enjoyed their favourite tipple in the district famous for its nightlife.

In Blackpool, there were queues outside the Albert and the Lion – the Wetherspoon pub on the town’s famous promenade.

Elsewhere in the town, drinkers filled up the tables set up by bars in the street despite the gloomy skies.

The people of Southampton were not so brave and the city was eerily quiet.

But customers at the Black Phoenix were still happy to enjoy a leisurely pint while they could.

As of Thursday, along with the 10pm closing times, all hospitality venues must be table service only to try to help contain the spread of Covid-19.