ISLE of Wight pubs got a much-needed spending boost on Monday, new figures suggest, as thirsty customers were allowed indoors for the first time this year.

Trade bodies welcomed the further easing of coronavirus rules, but cautioned that the "fragile" hospitality sector is relying on all restrictions being removed before it can operate successfully.

Banking firm Revolut analysed the data of its 4,000 customers on the Isle of Wight on Monday, comparing it to the average spend for a Monday in February last year before the pandemic began.

Isle of Wight drinkers spent more than twice as much on average on Monday than normal, according to the data, knocking back around 190 pints per minute at their peak.

The biggest spenders in the area were 35-44 year old men, though Revolut said their customers tend to be slightly younger than the national average.

Isle of Wight customers also splurged more per round than others across the country — spending £16.52 per transaction, compared to the average of £12.86 across Britain.

The biggest spender of the customers analysed was one punter who spent £168.37 in one purchase in a pub or restaurant, the data revealed.

Bars and restaurants in England were allowed to serve food and drinks indoors from May 17, following the return of outdoor hospitality on April 12.

Spending in bars across Great Britain was still six per cent down on normal levels — which could be because thousands of pubs are still closed and those open have significantly reduced capacity, the British Beer and Pub Association said.

The figures also suggest Isle of Wight residents were more excited to eat in restaurants and cafes on Monday than they were before the pandemic.

Spending in dining establishments was 52 per cent higher than what would have been expected last year — compared to the average across Britain of 32 per cent below.