THE long wait will soon be over... shops, hairdressers and pub beer gardens are among the places that can begin to reopen from Monday (April 12) as easing of the third national lockdown continues.

And for one of St Helens town centre's streets, this week will herald the arrival of a new venue, some new flavours and a new vibe.

Smokehouse by The Dean – a Texas barbecue-style restaurant – will open as the sister restaurant to fine-dining restaurant The Dean, on Barrow Street following the transformation of a unit during lockdown.

The relaxed Covid-19 rules mean limited groups of people can dine and drink outside and so the venue's bosses are bringing in parasols, patio heaters and blankets to the pedestrianised street as they aim to safely entertain customers outdoors.

St Helens Star: Eddie Dean outside the Smokehouse by the Dean on Barrow Street which is due to open to the public with outdoor seating when restrictions are eased further next week

Restaurateur Eddie Dean (pictured), who will open the new Smokehouse, says anticipation is already building.

Eddie, speaking to Star in midweek as workmen continued to fit out the interiors of the venue, said: “I can’t explain the level of excitement among our chefs and front of house teams to be opening up.

"We are aiming to give people something different – that taste of America they get from holidays and want on their return. And we're bringing al fresco dining to Barrow Street."

The street, which is a hub of traditional, established independent businesses such as Pickles Farms and OD's Menswear, emerging venues and residential schemes, is one of St Helens town centre's business success stories.

Eddie feels people are buying into what entrepreneurs are trying to do with street and hopes that the outdoor dining experience could give the area a city feel to it, once people become accustomed to socialising that way in St Helens.

He says the council is putting in place bollards to ensure the street is free of any traffic on weekends and has heaped praise on officers for their support.

Eddie said: "The council has been very supportive with our plans, especially the likes of Gary Maddock (town centre manger), they have really stepped up."

He also applauded businessman such as Ian Pitts – who owns a series venues such as Cork & Dough, The Church and The Secret Garden - and property and business unit developer Paul Nicholson for investing in areas of the town centre to ensure it is slowing changing to a place that offers a mix of retail and residential.

Ian, who also bought the Citadel before leasing MD Productions, is creating the Imperial Food & Drink Quarter on Brook Street (a stone's throw from Barrow St).

Eddie believes the areas will complement each other and help change the dynamic of the town centre's social scene.

"It can make a real difference to the town", he adds, before spelling out ambitions for a wine bar in former office space at the top of Barrow Street.

A planning application for the third venue in The Dean model is already in.

"We've learned a lot from opening The Dean, Eddie adds.

"My wife and I had been business owners before, but not restaurateurs. We are now."

The Smokehoue by The Dean will open from Monday (noon til 8pm for food) and will run seven days a week, while The Dean is running Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Both venues are fully booked for the first week of restrictions being eased.

Earlier this month, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the roadmap out of lockdown is on track and planned easing of restrictions could go ahead but he continued to urge caution, with no changes to social contact rules and many restrictions still in place.

Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to 6 people or 2 households, and you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.

From Monday:

Non-essential shops and close-contact services such as hairdressers and barbers can reopen.

Restaurants and pubs can start serving customers outdoors, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and no curfew. People will have to eat and drink while seated.

Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres.

Members of the same household can holiday in England in self-contained accommodation.

Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place.

The number of care home visitors allowed will increase to two per resident.

All children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity, including sport.

Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five years old) can restart indoors.

People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise domestic travel. International holidays are still illegal.

Outdoor gatherings are limited to six people or two households; you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.