The first ever National Hospitality Day was an "amazing success", its organisers have said.

Hospitality Action - one of four charities behind National Hospitality Day - tweeted this morning to thank businesses across the country for taking part in the event on Saturday (September 18).

In Saffron Walden, pubs, bars and cafés have praised customers for their support after a difficult 18 months.

Simon Cleary at The Plough, Great Chesterford, said: "It has been a very difficult time for all pubs and restaurants, so we would urge everybody to make use of their local pub, wherever that is."

Saffron Walden Reporter: Samantha and Simon Cleary at The Plough, Great Chesterford on National Hospitality Day 2021Samantha and Simon Cleary at The Plough, Great Chesterford on National Hospitality Day 2021 (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: National Hospitality Day 2021 at The Plough, Great ChesterfordNational Hospitality Day 2021 at The Plough, Great Chesterford (Image: Saffron Photo)

Nicky Goldsack, of Tiptree Tea Rooms, said: "Hospitality has become more valued over the last year.

"We really appreciate the local people we employ as well as the regulars and visitors who shop in the town."

The four charities behind National Hospitality Day are: Hospitality Action, The Drinks Trust, Licensed Trade Charity and Springboard.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Deborah Beetleshone, Tiptree Tea Room manager, on National Hospitality Day 2021Deborah Beetleshone, Tiptree Tea Room manager, on National Hospitality Day 2021 (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Tiptree Tea Room on National Hospitality Day 2021Tiptree Tea Room on National Hospitality Day 2021 (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Staff at The Curious Goat, Saffron WaldenStaff at The Curious Goat, Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021 (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Lunch is served at The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021Lunch is served at The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021 (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021 (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021The Curious Goat on National Hospitality Day 2021 (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: National Hospitality Day 2021 at The Plough, Great ChesterfordNational Hospitality Day 2021 at The Plough, Great Chesterford (Image: Saffron Photo)

Saffron Walden Reporter: National Hospitality Day 2021 at The Plough, Great ChesterfordNational Hospitality Day 2021 at The Plough, Great Chesterford (Image: Saffron Photo)