THE boss of two prestigious restaurants has hailed the Government’s permission to re-open as the industry’s “Independence Day.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light for restaurants, pubs and hotels to re-open from July 4.

He also reduced the social distance allowed from two metres to one metre plus.

And after being closed for several months establishments across Essex are getting ready to re-open.

At Le Talbooth and Milsoms in Dedham work has been underway in anticipation of the announcement.

The properties have gardens with outside dining terraces and the owners have added new covered seating areas.

To start with, Le Talbooth will be open for six days and closed on Mondays.

It will offer and extended lunch service during the week and in the evening last orders will be at slightly earlier.

It will be business as usual at Milsoms with the restaurant open for seven days a week and no bookings required.

Paul Milsom, managing director, said: ‘We are so excited to be reopening again after three really long months; I am already referring to it as our Independence Day.

“The gardens are looking wonderful and we’re hoping this incredible weather will continue well into July, August and September to enable our guests to dine outside.

“For the first time we have no business on the books in July and August which is a strange situation, but I’m delighted to say the phones are once again ringing at Le Talbooth with people calling to book a table.

“It just remains for me to say all the teams and my family can’t wait to welcome you and ensure your first visits are a special occasion.”

The Pier, in Harwich, which is also run by Mr Milsom, will however, be re-opening a little later than July 4.

The hotel and restaurant is set to re-open on July 9 to customers.

Mr Milsom said: “We have been closed for so long it’s like opening up a new business.

“And we decided we would initially open the others first as they are the properties which have the best outdoor dining arrangements.

“So the plan is to open The Pier on July 9.

“The restaurant side of the business should pick up much quicker than the hotel side as there is a built up demand to eat out as people have been restricted for many months.”

For details visit milsomhotels.com.