BRITS are now able to meet up outside with up to six friends – although a visit to the pub can't go ahead just yet.
Pubs with gardens will be able to open up from April 12, just in time for the end of the Easter holidays.
? Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates…
Pubs which have gardens have seen bookings for punters sell out – out of 47,000 pubs in the UK there are 27,000 with gardens, according to The British Beer & Pub Association.
Adam Bloodworth from London tweeted: “Just tried to book a pub, and can reveal that the whole *pubs opening on April 12* thing may as well be an illusion if you haven't already got a booking!
“I've tried around 20 and none have any space whatsoever.”
Carrie Walsh added: “Have discovered that every pub garden in London is actually fully booked until late May."
Punters will have to follow a strict set of rules when pubs and restaurants do open again, with outdoor bookings still only allowed table service and social distancing must be followed.
In better news, the hated 10pm curfew will be scrapped and drinkers won't have to order a substantial meal with their alcohol, putting an end to the Scotch egg debate.
Here are our favourite pubs across the country that are open, which have gardens big enough to be at a socially distanced table with your mates.
Anglers, Teddington
The Perch, Oxford
Old Neptune, Whitstable
Pump House, Liverpool
Tickled Trout, Ashford
Leather Bottle Pub, Earlsfield
Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton
The Bowgie Inn, Cornwall
The Red Lion, Leytonstone
The Bull's Head, Chislehurst
The Rose and Crown, Orpington
The Mill, Surrey
The Imperial, Exeter
If you're keen to get a table at a pub or restaurant once they reopen, we explain ways to beat the post-lockdown rush.
- Book a table early: It may sound obvious, but it's worth booking your table as early as possible. We've rounded up booking rules for the major pub chains, but it's also a good idea to keep an eye on your favourite restaurants' social media channels for reopening plans.
- Show up: If you're struggling to get a booking, it could be worth turning up at the doorstep on the day. Often restaurants have had "no shows", so they may be able to fit you in.
- Use OpenTable: The online reservation service lets you search available restaurant bookings based on your selected date, time, number of people and location. Plenty of restaurants also offer 100 points when you make a reservation. Once you rack up 2,000 points, you'll get a free £10 dining voucher.
- Download the right apps: We've rounded up the apps you’ll need to book tables and restaurants when they reopen.
- Consider odd timings: If you aren't fussed about the timings, you'll typically have a better chance at getting a table by choosing outside of peak lunch and dinner times.
Source: Read Full Article
