THE time when people can go back to the pubs is tantalisingly close, the countdown is well and truly on.

A range of pubs, bars and restaurants in Alsager are ready to reopen their doors once again on Monday (April 12th), the earliest date allowed as part of the Government's roadmap in easing Covid-19 restrictions and getting the country back up and running.

From Monday, hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks, and there will be no curfew.

However, customers must order, eat and drink while seated as table service will be provided.

Just like many residents, Nub News cannot wait to get back into the beer gardens, soak up the rays and indulge into some good old pub grub washed down with our favourite alcoholic beverage.

Below are pubs and bars which have confirmed they will be reopening.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and all information was correct at time of publication.

If your pub or bar is not on the list and is reopening, email [email protected] and we will get you added to the list.

People are advised to check with the pub beforehand on the day as some are taking bookings, while others are serving customers on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Most public houses have advised customers the outdoor availability will also be dependent on the weather.

It is expected that all pubs that are able to do so will reopen by May 17, the date currently scheduled by the Government as the day when customers can eat and drink indoors, in the next landmark on the road back to normality.

The Mere Inn

Their beer garden will be open for drinks from Monday. Bookings are being taken via e-mail only at the moment.

Message [email protected] with your desired date, time, number of guests and contact number.

A staff member will reply to confirm.

Visit their Facebook page for updates.

The Horseshoe Inn

From Monday onwards, The Horseshoe Inn will be opening their beer garden for food and drinks.

Food served from 12pm to 8pm, bar is open 12pm until late. Bookings not required.

For updates, visit their Facebook page.

The Lawton Arms

The Lawton Arms will be opening at 12pm on Wednesday. Food will be served on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 12pm to 8pm.

Takeaways will be available as usual at the same times.

Check out their Facebook page for updates.

The Broughton Arms

They will be opening their beer garden on Monday.

The Broughton Arms will be open all day from 12pm to 11pm seven days a week and residents are able to come out for drinks only, or for a meal as food will be served from 12pm to 8pm.

All uncovered and un-booked tables will be available for walk-ins.

The pub is taking bookings for the tables that are under cover for the first 10 days.

If you would like to book a table message their Facebook page.

The pub will need to know:

- Arrival time

- Whether you are dining or drinks only

- Leaving time if more than two hours

All of the new covered area is non-smoking, but the pub has four tables of four under their covered pergola where smoking is allowed, so if residents want to book one of those, contact the pub.

All uncovered and un-booked tables will be available for walk-ins.

For more information, check out their Facebook page.

Bar 6

They will be opening their 'large' beer garden which has plenty of seats on Monday at 12.30pm.

Bar 6 are generally walk in; however, they have taken some bookings for tables for Monday and are nearly fully booked.

Contact them for any further information.

Fifty Five Degrees

Their new heated gazebo in the rear courtyard is now finished and they have added 15 new cocktails to their menu ahead of their reopening on Monday.

It will be walk ins only at Fifty Five Degrees as they do not operate a table booking service.

Check out their Facebook page for updates.

The Railway Inn

The Railway will open on Monday. This will be for outdoor socialising only.

They are opening at reduced hours to begin with (these may be extended depending on the weather).

The reduced hours will be:

Monday: 3pm to 8pm

Wednesday: 3pm to 8pm

Friday: 12pm to 10pm

Sunday: 12pm to 10pm

The Railway is having outdoor shelter erected in case it decides to rain to keep their customers dry.

For more information, check out their Facebook page.

The Bar

The Bar, Alsager, is reopening at 4pm on Monday.

They will be serving their full range of drinks in their two outside seating areas, by table service only. Some seating is under cover and with heating.

There is no need to book a table, it's first come first served.

Covid-19 control requirements will be in place so checking in, remaining seated, and wearing a mask when not seated will be basic requirements.

Walter and Adele MacGowan, owners of The Bar, said: "Due to these restrictions service may be a little slower than normal so please bear with us during this phase of re-opening."

The Bar's off-sales service of their craft beers will still be available.

The opening hours for the first few days of opening are:

Monday/Thursday: 4pm-11pm.

Friday: 2pm-12am.

Sunday: 12pm - 9pm.

For updates, check out their Facebook page.

White Lion Inn

The White Lion in Barthomley are opening on Monday from 4pm onwards.

They won't be taking bookings and tables outside will be on a first come first serve basis, if the weather is "terrible", they will make the decision to remain closed on these days, keep a close eye on their Facebook page for up-to-date opening times.

Monday 12th April 4pm - 11pm (there will be a BBQ going for food 5pm-9pm)

Friday 16th April 4pm - 11pm (food: 4pm to 9pm)

Saturday 17th April 12pm - 11pm (food: 12pm to 6pm)

Sunday 18th April 12pm - 7pm (food: 12pm to 5pm)

These times are weather permitting.

However, there are still guidelines in place and staff will be ensuring these take place, social distancing is still mandatory between any customers from separate households.

Also, every customer is required to test and trace, staff will require their customers to have the app where possible, for the minority unable to do this staff will have an alternative option.

The first week will be a test run and hopefully if the weather stays on their side, The White Lion will continue to open weekends until they can move inside.