'We have to be optimistic': London businesses get ready to reopen on May 17

Boris Johnson confirms lockdown easing can go ahead in England next week

Emma Castaldo is making final preparations for her hotel's reopening after weeks of being closed due to coronavirus restrictions.

For the general manager of the Bermondsey Square Hotel in south London, getting back to business is a cause for celebration but she says she is not expecting an immediate return to normality.

International guests, who make up a significant portion of the hotel's business, remain elusive as restrictions and uncertainty make them reluctant to travel.

"We have to be optimistic – otherwise we won't win," she told The National.

The hotel is among businesses allowed to reopen in England as lockdown measures introduced in December are finally eased.

From Monday, people will be able to meet indoors at restaurants and other venues in groups of up to six people.

Cinemas, museums and theatres will once again open their doors to patrons, with a strict limit on the number of people allowed inside.

People will be able to meet in groups of up to 30 people in parks and on beaches, just in time to make the most of the summer months.

Family members will finally be permitted to hug each other as social distancing measures in private settings are effectively ended.

Meanwhile, the UK's wedding industry will be back on track after a torrid 12 months.

Guidance states that up to 30 people will be allowed to attend weddings and receptions and funerals

A member of staff cleans a pod of the London Eye in preparation for its reopening, as coronavirus disease restrictions ease in the UK. Reuters

A diver cleans a tank at the Sea Life Centre in London in preparation for reopening, as coronavirus restrictions ease in the UK. Reuters

Members of the public queue to receive vaccinations in a pop-up vaccination bus parked at Essa Academy in the Daubhill area of Bolton, north-west England. Bloomberg

A three-metre black marlin skeleton is installed as part of the new 'Our Broken Planet' exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. The museum will reopen to the public on May 17, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. EPA

The cast of 'Amelie' rehearse before their return to the stage at the Criterion Theatre in London. Reuters

Worshippers have their temperature checked before attending prayers at the Baitul Futuh mosque in south London. Reuters

A mechanics work in the yard at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Grosmont, north England, as preparations are under way for reopening. AFP

The cast of 'Abba Mania' poses outside Waterloo Station in London. Cast members are getting ready to return to the stage on May 21, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. EPA

Women who lost their mothers to Covid-19 have lunch by the National Covid Memorial Wall in London. EPA

A housekeeping staff member makes up a bed in one of the classic suites at The Ritz London. After closing its doors in the middle of December, The Ritz is preparing to welcome guests on May 17. Getty Images

Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge, England, is set to be a popular attraction as coronavirus restrictions are eased. Reuters

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson elbow bumps with actress Helena Bonham Carter, during a service at Westminster Abbey, London, to commemorate the life of nurse Florence Nightingale and to mark the contribution of nurses to the community. AP Photo

Worshippers wear face masks while they attend Eid Al Fitr prayers at Didsbury Central mosque in Manchester. Reuters

A staff member disinfects prayer rooms, ahead of Eid Al Fitr at the Green Lane mosque in Birmingham. AP Photo

Sporting events in indoor venues will be allowed a maximum capacity of 1,000 people and outdoor venues will be allowed 4,000.

In larger outdoor seated venues, up to 10,000 people will be allowed to watch sports events.

The path to normality will be a long one, and fears of another wave of the coronavirus are resurfacing which could scupper further unwinding.

On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a stark warning about the spread of a Covid-19 variant which was first detected in India.

At a Downing Street address on Friday, Mr Johnson gave the green light for the stage three in the road map out of lockdown, but said the next step on June 21 could be delayed.

For now, however, Britons are counting down the hours until they can meet friends and family at home once again.