10 pubs across Dorset opening their beer gardens this April

It’s been months since we were able to meet up with our friends, family and loved ones over a pint or glass of wine.

Pubs and bars have been busy preparing for punters, ensuring their venues are covid safe and secure for customers and staff alike.

From Monday, April 12, pubs and bars will be able to offer outdoor service.

There will no longer be a need for people to order a substantial meal with alcohol and there will be no curfew as we have seen in the past.

However all customers will have to order, eat and drink while seated.

The 'rule of six' will still be in force, meaning people will still be able to meet up in groups of six - or two households, whichever is greater.

New test and trace rules for pubs mean everyone over 16-years-old must sign in.

Masks must still be worn before sitting down and when visiting the toilet.

Here are 10 venues that will be reopening their outdoor spaces this month.

The Westbourne

Greene King pub The Westbourne in Poole Road reopens at 12pm on April 12 and is inviting people to book via its website or app to guarantee a table.

There are 17 benches outside and even a new Guinness snug area.

Visitors can download the Greene King app in advance so they can be ready to order.

The bar will be open between 12pm and 10pm Sunday to Wednesday and 12pm to 11pm Thursday to Saturday with food service available between 12pm and 8pm Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm to 9pm on Thursday and 12pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday.

The pub has long been a popular choice for sport lovers, and football fans will still have the chance to watch the Champions League and Europa League games from the comfort of a marquee on April 13, 14 and 15 with eight tables available under cover. To book visit https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/dorset/westbourne/

Ojo Rojo

For an exotic take on the classic beer garden, head to Ojo Rojo in Commercial Road to sample its Hacienda.

The Mexican inspired street food eatery reopens on April 14 with a brand new menu and on Saturday and Sundays the venue will be opening at the earlier time of 10am so visitors can enjoy brunch and fresh coffee in its outdoor garden.

The hacienda, which is billed as “Bournemouth’s hidden gem” is covered and heated and you can tuck into the likes of tacos, nachos or Ojo Rojo’s own take on churros, The Chuffle Pop. There is also a fully installed bar and daily happy hour between 5pm and 7pm. Advance booking is recommended and no deposit is required.

To book visit https://www.ojo-rojo.co.uk/reservations

• Read more: What you CAN do from April 12 when coronavirus restrictions ease

The Woolpack Inn

If your idea of a good beer garden is at a country pub, then popular pub The Woolpack Inn at Sopley will be welcoming customers back from April 12.

The owners have spent the past few months busily preparing for the pub’s reopening and have posted photos of the work being undertaken on the pub’s Facebook page.

The Woolpack has a generous beer garden with several socially distanced picnic benches to ensure customers can feel safe. To book a table call 01425 672252.

Thomas Tripp

The Thomas Tripp in Wick Lane, Christchurch, has lots of new changes to greet customers when they return on April 12.

The venue will be offering a brand-new summer menu featuring a host of seafood dishes and ice creams in the garden from its new ice cream hut. Fingers’ crossed for ice cream weather.

The outdoor area features wooden benches, some of which are already undercover and lighting.

Bookings can be made through thomastripp.co.uk

The Greyhound Inn

Take in spectacular views of Corfe Castle while you enjoy your pint at The Greyhound Inn when it reopens on April 12.

Punters will be able to dine alfresco from the pub’s new spring menu against the stunning backdrop of one of Dorset’s most famous landmarks.

Finishing touches are being made to the outdoor area for what promises to be “the best dining experience in Dorset. To book a table, visit https://greyhoundcorfe.co.uk/book/

The Bankes Arms

Traditional country pub by the sea The Bankes Arms has always been a popular choice and with an extensive outdoor seating area overlooking Studland Bay it’s not hard to see why.

The Bankes Arms will be open once again for food and drinks from April 12.

There’s no need to book a table as the venue will be operating on a first-come-first served basis using its online ordering app from 12noon each day.

Closing times may vary due to the weather. The hotel will reopen from May 17.

Brewhouse & Kitchen

If you live in Bournemouth and don't fancy a drive out of town, Brewhouse & Kitchen in Commercial Road is the place to head.

The popular beer garden will reopen from April 12 and there's a new marquee that's been put in place to keep drinkers dry should those April showers materialise. 

Tables are booking up fast so get secure yours visit https://www.brewhouseandkitchen.com/book/.

Sixty Million Postcards

Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, Sixty Million Postcards has a large oudoor area with customers able to take their pick from sitting in either the garden or a beach hut. 

The venue will be open for both food and drinks with a restricted menu on offer for a short time while it gets back up and running. 

To book visit https://www.sixtymillionpostcards.com/

The Greyhound

This traditional country pub in the picturesque village of Winterborne Kingston will reopen from Wednesday, April 14, with working going on to build a covered outside seating area. 

For the first week, the pub will be open (weather permitting) between 12pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 12pm to 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 12pm to 7pm on Sunday. 

Hours will be reviewed on a weekly basis up until the venue is able to reopen full from May 17.  To book, 01929 471332. 

The Horns Inn

Family and dog friendly pub The Horns Inn at West Parley will be throwing open its doors on April 12 between 11am and 10pm. 

There's ample seating outdoors and a covered area to keep customers dry should the rain fall. 

To book a table visit https://www.classicinns.co.uk/thehornsinnferndown