Restrictions eased across the country today allowing hospitality venues to reopen for outdoor dining.

But many Cowbridge sites are not opening until later in the week, expecting more customers by this time.

At Café Nero, the outdoor seating area was half-full at around 1pm today.

"It hasn't been much busier, it's about the same as it was before," a member of staff told Nub News.

"People are sitting down more, and people are asking for proper mugs not takeaway cups.

"Everyone seems glad to be out and about again."

Nearby at Costa Coffee, manager Zach Brennan said: "People have been asking for a few weeks now 'when can I sit outside, when can I sit inside?'

"It's a little bit different today, with a few new guidelines in place that we're reminding people to stick to.

"We've got an enclosed garden, it's open all-year-round. People often don't notice it, but people have sat out there today."

In Aberthin, the Hare & Hounds Pub opened for drinks today, and will serve food from Wednesday.

"After a very long and stressful year of being open and closed, it feels so good to have people drinking in the garden again," wrote the team on social media.

"Let's hope this is it now! Thank you as always to our wonderful team and our incredibly supportive customers. See you very soon we hope!"