POPULAR Northwich hangout BEAR has announced it will be re-opening for outdoor dining on April 12.

The independent chain of coffee shops has proven to be a big hit with customers in the town ever since they first opened a store in Barons Quay at the end of last summer.

When the government announced its roadmap out of lockdown last month, April 12 was stated as the earliest date pubs and restaurants could re-open, albeit for outdoor eating a drinking only.

Sam Nowzady, manager at the Northwich store said he was looking forward to welcoming back customers, with 'loads of outdoor seating'.

"We will be open every day, we’ve got loads of outdoor seating, evening takeaways will return at the weekend and cocktails and beers are coming back too," he said.

"We will also have a fresh menus for drinks and food, and these will all be released soon."

BEAR has been keeping itself busy during lockdown by hosting several pop-up events in recent weeks, with local businesses being given the platform to share their products with a wider audience.

Sam added: "The pop-ups were a really fantastic opportunity for us to support other local businesses and connect with our customers.

"They also gave our amazing customers and the people of Northwich something different during these hard times and long lockdown."

Local companies involved so far have included the squeaky cheese loving Halloumination, the holy doughnut masters, Project D and the cupcake heaven inducing Kerri and Katie's Cakes.