Spalding spin session, Wetherspoon breakfast and a trip to Weston's Fun Farm for new reporter Kris Johnston

On a day when businesses and customers across the county celebrated the reopening of indoor entertainment, leisure and hospitality venues, I began by patting myself on the back for another achievement entirely; not sleeping through my 6am alarm.

However, it wasn’t long before I was rejoicing along with everyone else. By7am, I had made my way to the Castle Sports Centre in Spalding for its first indoor class after Covid-19 lockdown.

Within half an hour, I was doubled over the bathroom sink in a last-ditch effort to cool myself down (I’d forgotten a bottle of water).

For 28 minutes, me and four others were instructed and inspired by a video projected onto the wall. Staff at the centre were very helpful, and the workout itself set me up nicely for what was to come next.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, I embarked on an attempt to be the first customer back inside Spalding’s Ivy Wall.

I was close, but four small parties snuck in just ahead of me for opening time.

What proceeded was my first ‘full English’ since I moved down from Scotland, dutifully accompanied by a refillable cup of coffee. Bacon, sausages, hash browns, toast; Wetherspoon certainly haven’t lost their touch.

A trip to the Rush Hour Escape Rooms was next, which unfortunately doesn’t open properly until Wednesday (I need to make sure I go back when they do). Brett Harman (32) is the director, and I could feel his passion for his business from the moment I walked in.

There are two themed rooms; one full of superheroes, the other hosting an eerie hospital. These themes change each year in a bid to give visitors “a whole new experience” according to Brett, who says there has been “such an amazing response” to the rooms since they opened in September 2019.

His business has been hosting online escape rooms during lockdowns, but Brett is looking forward to welcoming us all back in person.

At Weston Fun Farm, parents and children alike were excited to get back to the soft play area.

Abi Brookston (30) and Kate Exley (32) both had three-year-old sons in attendance, and were delighted to take a step back to normality – Kate’s son had his second birthday party here, but hadn’t been since.

Karen Slator (59), who owns the business, said: “It is lovely to see the kids again,” and hoped the business can stay open for a longer period this time around.

She spoke to me despite facing a long queue of excited youngsters, most of whom were dashing away from their parents in a bid to reach the slides first.

Having only moved to the area just over one week ago, this was my first real opportunity to explore some local landmarks. It was thoroughly enjoyable; I will be making a point to return to the Escape Rooms as soon as possible, and I can never resist a Wetherspoon’s breakfast (or pint).

Everyone I spoke to, whether they be business owners, staff or customers, shared a mutual delight at indoor returns to their favourite venues.

I was enthusiastic myself to get inside. Hopefully this time around, we won’t have to worry about them closing again.