Scuffles break out in Soho as Londoners celebrate lockdown easing

Drinkers descended on central London on Friday night to celebrate the first weekend since lockdown easing.

Spirits were high as Londoners flocked to beer gardens across the capital to enjoy a sunny evening ahead of what promises to be a warm weekend.

However, in Soho, tensions flared after police were forced to arrest a man in Old Crompton Street.

Police patrols will be stepped up this weekend to stop large gatherings and Primrose Hill, in north London, will shut each night from 10pm.

Under the current rules people are only allowed to meet six other people from different households outside.

Excited punters are expected to splurge £300 million in London this weekend as shops, restaurants and bars open their doors for the first time since December.

The Centre for Retail Research said it expected retail and hospitality spending across London to reach close to £170 million on Saturday and around £130 million on Sunday with much of that spent in the previously deserted West End.

Those hoping to walk into a pub might be disappointed as virtually every outdoor table in London had been booked for Saturday and Sunday.

On April 12 pubs and restaurants were allowed to serve food and drinks outside again for the first time in months.

Hairdressers and non-essential shops were also allowed to reopen, along with zoos, theme parks and nail salons.

Forecasters have predicted a warm afternoon for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral which will take place at Windsor Castle at 3pm on Saturday.

A cold and frosty start to the day is set to clear and leave a fine and dry morning with plenty of sunshine, the Met Office said.

Conditions around Windsor are set to be similar to many areas across the South East, according to a spokesman who said there may be highs of 15C, possibly 16C, in isolated spots.

The spokesman said: “There may be some light cloud but there will also be clear sunny spells.

“It will feel warm in the sunshine and should remain reasonably bright and not too windy during the day – in fact there won’t be much of a breeze at all.

“Conditions will be very calm and settled.”

Members of the public have been encouraged not to travel to Windsor for the event, but to watch the service on TV.

The ceremonial royal funeral is taking place within the grounds of Windsor Castle with only 30 guests attending.

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