TODAY is the day businesses announce: "We're back".

Pubs, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers, beauticians, non-essential shops and outdoor attractions were today all reopening in some capacity as the country takes another step on the government's 'roadmap' out of lockdown.

Most hospitality and leisure venues have been closed since the country was plunged into a third national lockdown on January 6, and business owners and staff are thrilled to get back to work, while customers are chomping at the bit to get back to the pub or get a haircut.

Lyn Mackenzie, landlady at The Belvedere, is excited to welcome customers back to the pub, which has been closed since the start of the second national lockdown at the beginning of November.

She and her team have spent the last week putting the final touches to the beer garden, which features picnic-bench style tables, comfortable armchairs and a gazebo.

She said: "We spent the whole last week cleaning the pub and getting organised and we are finally ready to go. I could have booked up all our tables for next weekend four times over with all the interest we have had from customers, but we are deliberately only booking half the tables so people can do walk-ins.

"We have also launched a burger menu with burgers made by veterans from the Veterans Hub and a donation from each burger we sell will go to them so we are really excited to get that going from today."

Weymouth's Nothe Tavern and the Sydney Arms in Dorchester have seen investment from pub operator Marston's, which has provided cash injections towards facelifts to their outdoor garden spaces as well as the installation of up-to-date systems.

The Nothe Tavern's landlord Kenny Poole has even had time to build a new outdoor bar.

He said: "We cannot wait to reopen and see everyone. We're a family-run pub and we pride ourselves on providing outstanding food."

Luciano Pierre White is preparing to reopen his restaurant, Luccio's, in Brewery Square, Dorchester, on Wednesday. He said: "We are feeling really positive about reopening and welcoming customers back. We can have up to 50 people sat with social distancing on our terrace so we are excited to get back to work."

Andy Knill, an artist who opened up a studio in Swanage just four months before the first national lockdown, is thrilled to welcome customers back from today. He said: "We opened just before Christmas 2019 and little did we know what was ahead. Although I have been keeping busy with commissions and projects, I have missed seeing people and getting them excited about art and seeing that spark of creativity shine through.

"I am so pleased to get the doors open and welcome people back."

Dorchester Sports Centre was today reopening the gym and swimming pool to customers.

The venue, in Coburg Road, started its first phase of reopening on March 29 with a successful reopening of its outdoor pitches, attracting almost 80 per cent of its previous clubs and bookings, including Dorchester Town Football Club. The Gym, Pool and Junior Swim lessons were reopening today.

Although Indoor group exercise classes are not able to resume until May 17, the centre is offering a weekly wellbeing walk on Friday mornings for customers to join.

Staff said they had already seen a huge amount of interest and demand from people wanting to sign up, with an additional 50 new swimmers signing up to its programme in just two days.

General Manager Wayne Long said: “The last 12 months has been difficult for the leisure industry, but Dorchester Sports Centre plays a vital role in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the area. We can’t wait to be able to reopen our doors.”

“We are, like many leisure providers in the UK today, more than just a gym or local pool. Our facilities have become a place where people can change their lives and improve their health and wellbeing. Our team has worked hard to ensure our centre is safe, fresh and in line with government guidelines and with advice from UK Active, Swim England and Public Health England."

Measures are now in place to keep staff and customers safe, including sanitising stations, enhanced cleaning procedures, one way systems, comprehensive staff training, amended pool and gym capacities and timetable, and plastic shield installation between machines in the gym.

All customers will be required to pre-book online before they attend. https://www.1610.org.uk/centres/dorchester/class_timetable/

Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham is also reopening its gym and swimming pool today.

A spokesman said: "As we all prepare to take our first tentative steps our of lockdown, we want to remind you that we are here for you and ready to welcome you back.

"We have worked really hard to develop a reopening plan that allows us to open up as safely as possible and we want to reassure you that we will be on hand for any questions or reassurances you may need."