Pubs in Sheffield have been inundated with bookings as they prepare to reopen

Hospitality venues with outdoor seating will be allowed to welcome customers back no earlier than April 12 under the Government’s roadmap plan announced on February 22.

People will be allowed to meet one household or comply with the Rule of Six. Only table service will be allowed in beer gardens and restaurant terraces.

The previous 10 pm curfew and the requirement to serve a “substantial” meal with alcohol have been scrapped.

Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve indoors from May 17, although customers will still only be allowed to socialise with one other household or in a group of six. They will have to be served at tables and wear masks when not sitting.

The dates on the roadmap are currently provisional, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the Government will continue to be “driven by the data”.

As we approach the mid-April date, pubs across the city with outdoor seating are deep in preparation for the return of customers for the first time since October and November.

The Star has put together a list of the pubs that plan to open from the two dates mentioned above, based on the establishments that have either confirmed their plans publicly or have spoken to us.

Full list of Sheffield pubs that plan to reopen in April and May - including details of whether you will need to book in advance

Pub-chain giant Wetherspoon has said that it will open patios, beer gardens and rooftop gardens at 394 of its pubs in England from 12 April as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our customers and staff back to our pubs.”

These are just some of the pubs in Sheffield that have had a surge in bookings before they open in just under two weeks.

The Nursery Tavern on Ecclesall Road has been inundated with bookings ahead of its opening, with a total of 1002 bookings for 5708 people in just one week.

They will be serving a reduced menu and will operate a full table service for customers in line with the guidance set out by the government.

Riverside Kelham said: “We’ve been super chuffed with the amounts of messages asking about when we’re opening. We’re still getting our plans together, but this is where we’re headed.

"We aren’t booking tables or setting time limits. If this is the road back to normal, we want you and our staff to have as normal a pub experience as possible.

"We’ll open with a new food and drinks menu. All the pasta and wine you want. And cheese sauce."

The Wisewood Inn at Loxley said: "We have been overwhelmed with bookings so far, thank you to everyone for your support. Book early to avoid disappointment.

They added: “Our marquee is finally up; we will be adding sides for those colder days, so don’t worry - your bookings are safe, come rain or shine.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.