10 Northwich venues you can sit outside at from April 12

It's been an incredibly difficult 12 months for everyone, but especially those running their own businesses, with the country experiencing three national lockdowns.

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his road map out of lockdown back in February, the one date that stood out for most was April 12, with hair dressers, salons and shops also re-opening.

For the hospitality sector, it means restaurants and pubs can trade again, but they can only do so for outdoor service, with the rule of six making a return.

The hugely unpopular 10pm curfew and the requirement to have a substantial meal with any alcoholic drink have now also been dropped.

Here are some of the pubs, bars and restaurants in and around Northwich you might want to support from next Monday.

1. Kanya Bistro Bar and Restaurant, High Street, Northwich

Delicious food in a fantastic atmosphere and right in the middle of town, what more do you want? Kanya has been open for take aways throughout lockdown and has even been the temporary home to the pop up K2H Creative Indian Kitchen. Its street tables will make a return on April 12 with bookings advised.

Kanya Bistro and Bar in Northwich

2. Cheshire Grill, Holmes Chapel Road, Northwich

Described as a genuine country pub and steakhouse experience, Cheshire Grill has plenty of outdoor tables in its beer garden. Closed since Christmas, the team are really looking forward to seeing their customers again. However, you will have to wait slightly longer as it won't be opening until Thursday, April 15 but they will be serving the full food menu outside.

Cheshire Grill.

3. The Hanging Gate, Sandy Lane, Weaverham

The Hanging Gate in Weaverham is planning to open its beer garden on Thursday, April 15. Table service will be available for food and drink so customers can relax outside. A slightly reduced menu will be served. The Sandy Lane pub will close from Monday to Wednesday and open from Thursday to Sunday serving food from 12 noon until 7pm and drinks from 12 noon until 9pm. No bookings will be taken until the pub can open indoors.

The Hanging Gate in Weaverham.

4. The Hart of Hartford, School Lane, Hartford

Popular village bar and eatery, The Hart has a brand new outdoor space and is ready to welcome back its much missed customers on April 12. They are operating a booking system with 90 minute slots and it is likely to prove to be popular. Online bookings can be made HERE.

The outdoor space at the Hart.

5. The Three Greyhounds Inn, Allostock

A little bit further afield, the Three G's is really looking forward to having customers back in its outdoor spaces. They will be serving the new ‘Garden Menu’, with all the Three Greyhound’s favourites and the drinks that you have missed too. There will be a marquee and plenty of outside seating waiting for you with plenty of garden umbrellas.

The Three Greyhounds Inn, in Allostock.

6. The Penny Black, Witton Street, Northwich

Like them or loath them, Wetherspoon pubs are here to stay and prove to be very popular, with a very loyal clientele. The Penny Black is no different and its beer garden will be opening to customers from April 12. Its opening times will be 9am-9pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 9am-10pm (Friday and Saturday). There will be a reduced menu in place but customers will not have to book a table with them all being on a first come first served basis.

The Penny Black in Northwich.

7. Temple Cafe Bar, Witton Street, Northwich

This new relatively new addition to the town centre only opened last September, but has already proved to be a big hit with the locals. Keith and Janey have been busy with the paint brushes during lockdown and are excited to be welcoming back customers to the street side tables. There is a new menu and although open seven days a week, be warned, the opening hours are 10.30am-4.30pm.

Temple Cafe Bar on Witton Street is opening on April 12.

8. BEAR, Barons Quay, Northwich

Growing in popularity since it opened last August, independent coffee shop chain BEAR will be opening for outdoor drinking and dining from April 12. Open every day with cocktails and beers and a new menu, there is much to look forward to.

BEAR in Barons Quay will be opening its outdoor space on April 12.

9. The Salty Dog, High Street, Northwich

The Salty Dog is more than just a great pub, it's a destination, with a fine history of live music and comedy that makes it a go to place for many people from miles around. Owner Chris developed a new outdoor Tiki area last summer and even hosted a few gigs out back. Plans remain fluid but he will be opening the space from Thursday, April 15. Check the socials for opening times nearer the time.

The Salty Dog in Northwich.

10. Cock O'Budworth, Great Budworth

The Joseph Holt owned Cock O’Budworth is an outstanding Grade II listed village pub in the scenic area of Great Budworth. The former 17th century coaching inn is beautifully furnished throughout with cosy snugs, low beams, open fires and cobbled entrance. This wouldn’t be a proper country pub without a great beer garden and it will be open from April 12 for drinks and limited food menu. Opening times will be Monday to Friday 3pm-8pm and Saturday to Sunday 12pm until 8pm, with food served until 7pm every day.

The Cock O'Budworth.