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 Congleton 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 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.

Beartown Tap

Beartown Tap will be opening their doors again from Tuesday, 13th April.

They have doubled their covered areas with the addition of a second marquee and added a lot of heaters to keep customers warm until the weather picks up for summer.

The rule of six will still apply so they cannot take bookings for groups larger than this at present.

They will be kicking off the reopening of their doors in style, with the return on Tap Tuesdays in conjunction with Crescent Catering who will be serving up freshly made wood fired pizzas with a beer for just £8.50 (6-9pm).

Fridays will also see the return of Street Food (5:30pm to 9:30pm), kicking off on the 16th is Smoke Fire Flame BBQ bringing the "best low and slow meats to town".

However, until restrictions are eased Beartown Tap will remain closed on Mondays.

For more information, check out their Facebook page.

The Queens Head

The Queens Head will be opening their beer garden on Monday.

Follow the 'book now' button on their Facebook page to secure your table.

They have now also started taking bookings for drinks and diners over the phone.

The Cheshire Tavern

They have decided to open their kitchen on Friday 16th April but will be open from 12pm on Monday for their beer garden pub quiz at 6pm and drinks.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Ye Olde White Lion

They will be opening their outside area on April 14th.

Their new opening hours are listed below:

Wednesday 4pm - 11pm

Thursday 4pm - 11pm (Pizza Night)

Friday 2pm - 12am (Pizza Night)

Saturday 12pm - 12am (Pizza Night)

Sunday 12pm - 11pm

They will not be serving their "famous" Sunday roasts until they can open inside.

Book via their Facebook page.

The Counting House

The re-opening of The Counting House on Swan Bank will take place on Monday, but it will operate with a reduced menu and shorter days.

From Sunday to Thursday the pub will be open from 9am until 9pm, and on Friday and Saturday the pub will stay open until 10pm.

The reduced menu will feature breakfast, burgers, pizza, deli deals, fish and chips and "British classics".

Customers will be able to order and pay through the Wetherspoons app, although staff will be able to take orders and payment at the table from those without the app.

Egerton Arms

They will be reopening their doors to customers at noon on Monday.

For more information, check out their Facebook page.

The Plough Inn

They will be opening their outdoor heated tent area on Monday.

- Bookings being taken for mixed households up to a maximum of six people, or two households (staff have the right to refuse bookings if they don't feel that they are from two households)

- Bookings taken via Facebook

- Customers can also email to book on [email protected]

- Time limits will apply to tables during busier periods

- Booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment

- With the pub still being closed, the above methods for booking are recommended.

Horseshoe Inn

The Horseshoe Inn Astbury will be opening on the Monday, call 01260 272205 to book a table.

The pub will be open all day and will be offering a selection of homemade pub classics served alongside your favourite tipple.

Food Served:

Monday to Saturday: Lunch: 12pm to 2pm. Dinner: 5:30pm to 8pm.

Sunday: 12pm to 8pm.

All government guidelines lines will be followed for residents' safety.

The Waggon and Horses

They we will be open Monday, serving food from their charcoal fire pit outside in the sunshine or safely under their covered seating.

Book your table via Facebook or follow this link.

Quigley's

From Monday (12th April), residents will be able to pre-book for table service and enjoy a "delicious" mix of food and drinks on Quigley's outside courtyard.

During this period, Quigley's will be open six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday. Fridays and Saturdays they will be open until 2am.

First week they will be open all seven days.

They'll have their usual extensive selection of cocktails available, with a few new ones they're excited to show you!

These won't be on the printed menu but ask and you shall receive.

They are also looking to extend their seating area to cover the whole courtyard, including more tables for everyone and complying with social distancing requirements.

Unfortunately, if Quigley's are busy, they may limit two hours on tables until 8pm, however they will try their best to keep customers in as long as possible even if that means moving a few tables around.

To book now, message Quigley's on their Facebook page.

DV8

Their courtyard is open from 11am every day. DV8

are not taking any bookings and will be working on a first come, first served basis only.

Check out their Facebook page for information and updates.

The Unicorn

The Unicorn are open on Monday from 2pm.

- Rule of six applies, no more than six people per table.

- Only enter the pub to use the toilet and war a mask at all times whilst inside.

- Scan the QR code for track and trace.

- No need to book, just take a seat outside and staff will serve you at the table.

Swettenham Arms

From Monday, customers will be able to dine at Swettenham Arms' regular outside tables in their three large beer gardens.

They will not be taking bookings for these, so residents are advised to just turn up on a first-come first-served basis.

In addition to these tables, they are also introducing heated and lit canopies.

Customers will be able to book these for use on or after the 12th April.

These will be available for five weeks (from the 12th), until the pub can re-open inside again.

Bookings can be made for these for Monday to Sunday, for the following times: 12pm or 12:30pm, 2pm or 2:30pm, 4:30pm or 5pm, and 6:30pm or 7pm. Tables will seat up to six people each.

Staff can take bookings through email on [email protected] or by telephone on 01477 571284 and they will need to know your name, contact number, number of people in your party and the date and time you would like to book.

As they are currently only running a small staff, the preferred method is through email if possible.