LOCKDOWN 2.0 came to an end yesterday and Ealing has returned to Tier 2, along with the rest of London.

Shops in Ealing Broadway shopping centre also opened their doors to the public yesterday, with many shoppers excited to be able to start their Christmas shopping, with some shops even having queues for people to get in.

Andrew Rollings, Centre Director at Ealing Broadway, said: "We're very happy to welcome visitors back to Ealing Broadway.

"We know Christmas is going to be very different this year and so we're doing everything we can to help everyone be able to shop and dine easily, and safely, during the festive season."

Some of these measures include face masks being worn at all times while inside and shoppers keeping a safe distance from others.

There is also a keep left system implemented and there are hand sanitising stations placed throughout the centre.

Raph Thomas, one of the artists at the Pop Up Gallery told Nub News how excited he is to be back.

"Lockdown came at such a bad time for us because we were doing very well, so we're very happy to be back.

"We've been quite busy so far, the weekend will be when we are out our busiest, and hopefully the weather will be better too."

This view is echoed by Kate McKenzie from The Curated Collective, who only opened its doors for the first time yesterday.

She told Nub News: "We're so happy to be here and very grateful to Ealing Broadway for accommodating us.

"We're looking forward to the Christmas period."

As part of Ealing Broadway's Christmas preparations, the centre has switched on its Christmas lights and festive food stalls have taken up residence in Town Square until December 24.

Owner of two food stalls, Tommy Russell, told Nub News: "We're happy to be back, this will be our fifth year here, but unfortunately due to the pandemic we won't have the Christmas market with all the stalls filling up the square.

"Hopefully that doesn't stop the people from coming to see us and hopefully the weather improves, because we're going to need all the help we can get in order to help businesses recover from the economic effects of the pandemic."

Ealing Broadway will be open from 9am to 7pm Monday – Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays, with late night shopping until 8pm Monday – Saturday from December 7 – 23.