PUNTERS across south Essex have made the most of being able to sit inside pubs, with people spending three times as much on drinks.

Pubs across Basildon and Southend managed to get a much-needed spending boost on Monday as customers were allowed indoors for the first time this year.

On Monday, the UK entered the third stage of the roadmap out of lockdown which saw all indoor hospitality reopen as well as hotels being allowed to welcome back guests.

Basildon drinkers managed to knock back around 176 pints per minute at the peak of the day while Southend punters had around 147, new figures by banking firm Revolut have revealed.

Gary Brand, owner of A & B Taxis in Basildon, said the company saw a higher demand in cabs on Monday.

Gary said: "We definitely saw an influx in extra jobs on Monday.

"The figures haven't surprised me. I think people were waiting to not have to worry about the weather to go out.

"It's great to see people out and about again. I'm happy to see the start of normality."

One punter in Basildon reportedly spent a generous £176.38 in just one purchase.

Deputy leader of Basildon council, Kerry Smith, said it was good that people were back out supporting pubs who had faced a difficult year.

He said: "It will upset the GP's but the pubs need it.

"They are local landmarks. That was one of my main fears that the pubs wouldn't reopen.

"The more people get their jab the more confident they feel to go back out.

"What pubs need through this is support. They need all the community support they can get."

Another punter in Southend spent a total of £191.23 in a round as they celebrated a return back to normality.

Southend councillor Matt Dent said: "It's quite a lot but pubs haven't had the best year so I'm pleased to see people are going to the pub and making up for lost time and helping pubs who have struggled.

"It's good to see people going out and helping to give a boost to our businesses."