Pub landlords give their views ahead of April 12 reopening

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that the next phase in the roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions will go ahead as planned on April 12.

And these new measures will allow for the reopening of pub beer gardens.

So are landlords relieved to be able to welcome customers back to their premises once again, or are they concerned at being at the mercy of the great British weather until mid-May?

We spoke to five publicans in the town to find out the view from behind the bar.

Lez and Vicki Anders created a new al fresco area at the Seven Woods in Westbrook during the second Covid-19 lockdown.

But they were only able to use this outdoor space for a matter of weeks before further restrictions came into force around Christmas.

And the couple are looking forward to finally putting their new look beer garden, which can seat up to 40 customers, to good use.

Vicki said: “It is fantastic that we have finally received confirmation that we can reopen our doors.

“After a very difficult year, we are pleased that the daily figures are declining – and as we are an integral part of our community, we can’t wait to welcome our guests back to their local.

“We will continue to endeavour to provide a safe and friendly environment for our guests and their families and friends to reunite.”

The Parr Arms in Grappenhall is one of the town’s most picturesque pubs.

And staff are hoping for a repeat of the weather seen over the Easter weekend so that customers will be able to bask in the sunshine in the shadow of St Wilfrid’s Church next week.

General manager Mick Watson said: “We are reopening on April 12 and praying for good weather.

“It’s been a difficult year with lots of uncertainty, but we’re looking forward to reaching that light at the end of the tunnel – or beer at the end of the bar.”

As well as service only being allowed in outdoor settings, customers must leave their details as part of the track and trace system.

But the rule whereby drinkers could only be served alcohol with a ‘substantial meal’ has been scrapped.

Ben Kennedy, landlord of the Royal Oak Branch on Knutsford Road in Latchford, added: “We are delighted to be able to welcome our customers and friends back after being shut for more than four months.

“Just having the beer garden open is going to be different as it’s never happened before, but people seem very eager to be able to come out and have a proper pint again.”

The 10pm curfew on service has also been scrapped by the Government, but customers will be required to wear face masks when not seated.

Over in Thelwall, the Pickering Arms is preparing to reopen on Monday.

Tenant James Hartley told the Warrington Guardian: “We are looking forward to welcoming back our regular clientele that we have dearly missed since last year.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming new customers as well.

“Hopefully, weather permitting, it will be a great month for all.”

Not all pubs will be back in business just yet however, with many not having outdoor spaces to utilise in order to comply with the latest regulations.

Meanwhile, the Trigger Pond in Great Sankey will be remaining shut for the time being due to ongoing roadworks at the junction of Liverpool Road and Lingley Green Avenue.

But its sister sites the Skymaster and the Peacock, in Westbrook and Birchwood, will open for service from April 12.

A spokesman said: “The road is closed outside the pub so we can’t open until May 17 sadly.

“However, we are helping out the Skymaster and the Peacock as we are all part of the same division.

“We can’t wait to reopen, and we are currently preparing.”