The news came as a relief for many hospitality businesses across the country who have been suffering as a result of the pandemic restrictions.

Despite the eased restrictions, strict rules will still apply with only six people or two households allowed to meet up for food and drink.

However, this time round the Government has decided to scrap the 10pm curfew which was in place when pubs re-opened last time.

They have also dropped the requirement for customers to have a ‘substantial meal’ with a drink.

Customers will not be allowed to sit inside pubs and restaurants until May 17, when the rules of six people or two households will still apply.

Here are some of the pubs, bars and restaurants across St Helens that you can support by visiting them from April 12.

1. The Gerard Arms

 

The beer garden is set to reopen from April 12.

Announcing the news on Facebook, Mark and the team said: "We can now confirm that we will be re-opening our beer garden on the 12th April & we have been busy.

"For now the plan for outside is first come first served and no pre bookings. Any bookings for 17th May onwards will be presumed for indoor dining.

"Now go dust off them gladrags"

2. The Eccleston Arms Bar and Grill

 

The Prescot Road venue is looking to open up their newly furbished courtyard for the easing of restrictions on April 12.

Announcing the news online, the team said: "Set up is well underway.

"April 12 we open our newly furnished courtyards ready to cater for all.

"It is a first come, first serve basis. All our tables are placed at a two metre social distance in line with Covid regulations.

⁠"For more information visit our website www.ecclestonarms.co.uk⁠"

3. The Griffin

 

The Church Road venue has been working hard constructing a beer garden, with some sheltered booths ahead of the weekend post April 12.

Announcing the news on Tuesday, March 23, the team said: "Still a way to go but the seating frames started to go in today.

"I can confirm that despite only being through half of our booking requests, our covered areas are booked out for the opening weekend (16th, 17th and 18th April).

"That does not mean we are fully booked, we have a large amount of tables in the garden that we are accepting ‘walk ins’ at.

"We aren’t taking bookings at these tables as they are weather dependent.

"So, if the weather is nice head over to us for a weekend of live music."

4. The Bull and Dog

 

The Clock Face Road venue will be opening their beer gardens from April 12 and operating under the rule of six guidelines.

They said: "We cannot wait to welcome you back into the pub you know and love so much. We are very excited to be opening our Beer Garden on 12th April under the Government roadmap.

"We will be taking bookings for the time being there will be reserved signs on tables but more than welcome to be seated there till needed.

"We want our pub to be available to as many people as possible and although space will be limited in our beer garden we will try to accommodate as many customers as possible, but unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.

"We will be operating under the 'Rule of Six' guidelines and we kindly ask everyone to understand and observe this restriction. That means no more than six people can be seated at any one table.

"We will be operating a mandatory Test & Trace policy and it is a requirement that all customers complete this upon entering our pub.

"We will be serving Food with a reduced menu."

5. The Golden Lion, Rainford

 

The popular pub has been active on social media, letting its eager punters know all about their reopening.

A marquee will be in place providing full cover at its beer garden.

They said: "Whilst there are still some restrictions in place, we must 'gin and bear it'

"We will still be table service only for food and drink when we re-open and tables are filling up fast, we highly recommend booking a table whether drinking with friends or for a meal to avoid disappointment.

"Walk ins will always be welcome but at the rate the bookings are picking up there may be limited space".

6. The Abbey

 

The Hard Lane venue has worked to update their outdoor seating and plans to reopen their beer garden from April 12.

They said: "We cannot wait to welcome you back into the pub you know and love so much. We are very excited to be opening our Beer Garden on 12th April under the Government roadmap.

"There are just a few things you need to be aware of, so you know what to expect when you visit the pub.

"We will not be taking bookings for the time being. We want our pubs to be available to as many people as possible and although space will be limited in our beer garden we will try to accommodate as many customers as possible, but unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.

"We will be operating under the 'Rule of Six' guidelines. That means no more than six people can be seated at any one table.

"We will be operating with table service only until further notice and operating a mandatory Test & Trace policy and it is a requirement that all customers complete this upon entering our pub.

Our opening and closing times are subject to change at pretty short notice because we all know the Great British weather can be unpredictable.

"Unfortunately, we won’t be serving food for the time being. We plan to re-introduce our food menu on 17th May when we can re-open for indoor service. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

7. The Wheatsheaf

 

The Wheatsheaf have invested in garden pods to allow select punters to have covered outdoor seating, as well as regular outdoor seating available from April 16.

They said: "Our new pods have been fitted! Ready for our grand re-opening.

"Price: £5 an hour. Non-refundable deposit required.

"Please note, we still accept walk ins for our reopening. The pods are the only seating that requires a booking.

"Please Text/WhatsApp 07787433389 to enquire/book."

8. The Park Bar and Kitchen, based in Sherdley Park.

 

On April 12 outdoor dining opens at The Park - Bar & Kitchen. You can now book online for tables of six with a maximum seating window of two hours.

The team said: "Heated & covered seating is available at The Park Bar & Kitchen.

"Due to the government guidelines that will be in place come 12th April, these bookings are weather dependant as we unfortunately cannot seat you indoors. ☀️

"Book a table via https://www.resdiary.com/restaurant/theparkbarkitchen

"Bookings are currently only being taken online so please refrain from calling to book a table at this moment in time.

"Stay tuned for our new menus and more information, coming soon!

"We can’t wait to welcome you back soon"

9. Carr Mill Flaming Grill

 

The team said: "Here’s the first look of our new beer garden. Bookings now being taken for 12th April!"

"Our garden will be officially open from Monday 12th April!

Pop in and see us or book online from Friday 26th March"

10. The Dean

 

The top end venue will be offering limited outdoor dining from April 16.

The team said: "We cannot wait to welcome you back to The Dean, we will be opening for OUTDOOR DINING on 16th April under the Government roadmap.

"Initially - our opening times will be 12PM - 7PM (Friday-Sunday) - our last food service will be at 6PM, but there’s no need to rush off, as we will close once everyone has finished their food and drink.

"There are just a few things you need to be aware of, so you know what to expect when you visit us:

"- We are encouraging bookings as tables outdoor are extremely limited. We will try to accommodate as many customers as possible, if tables are available but unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.

"- We will be operating under the 'Rule of Six' guidelines and we kindly ask everyone to understand and observe this restriction. That means no more than six people can be seated at any one table.

"- It is important you remain seated during your visit and face coverings will be mandatory whilst entering and exiting the restaurant and using the toilets.

"- We will be operating with table service only until further notice. We kindly ask you not to approach the bar but instead make yourself known to an available server who’ll take your order, or assist in anyway possible.

"- We will be operating a mandatory Test & Trace policy and it is a requirement that all customers complete this upon visiting The Dean.

"Most importantly… Our opening and closing times are subject to change at short notice because we all know the Great British weather can be unpredictable. Please check our social media for daily information concerning opening and service times depending on weather and capacity."

The Star wants to support the amazing pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes across St Helens who will be reopening their doors to customers on April 12 for outdoor dining.

If you know of any gems that deserves to be on the list, then get in touch and let us know via the form below.