NEARLY 30 Arkell's pubs in Wiltshire and Swindon are reopening their doors to thirsty customers this week as lockdown measures are eased in England, the company has revealed.

Under Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, the hospitality industry reopened on Monday (April 12) for the first time in months, but will only be serving food or drink outdoors.

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

Punters will also have to order from their table and stay seated - enabling social distancing.

However, new test and trace rules mean everyone over 16-years-old must sign in before going into pubs, cafés or restaurants, unlike last year when just one member of a group needed to do this.

If all goes to plan, step three of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown should see people allowed indoors again from May 17.

According to Arkell's, here are the pubs that will reopen from Monday, April 12, onwards:

  • Royal Oak, Bishopstone
  • Lansdowne Hotel, Calne
  • Rose & Crown, Lea
  • Sally Pusseys Inn, Royal Wootton Bassett
  • Angel Hotel, Royal Wootton Bassett
  • Woodshaw Inn, Royal Wootton Bassett
  • Old Bear Inn, Cricklade
  • White Hart, Cricklade
  • Bakers Arms, Badbury
  • Bakers Arms, Stratton
  • Bell Inn, Purton Stoke
  • Carpenters, South Marston
  • Crown Inn, Broad Hinton
  • Crown Inn, Stratton
  • County Ground Hotel, Swindon
  • Dolphin Hotel, Swindon
  • Fox & Hounds, Haydon Wick
  • Fox & Hounds, Wroughton
  • Jovial Monk, Swindon
  • Jolly Tar, Hannington
  • Kingsdown Inn, Swindon
  • Moonrakers, Swindon
  • New Inn, Stratton, Swindon
  • Running Horse, Swindon
  • Saracens Head, Highworth
  • Sun Inn, Coate, Swindon
  • Tawny Owl, Swindon
  • Village Inn, Liddington

Managing Director of Arkell's Brewery, George Arkell, said staff are "hugely relieved" to reopen beer gardens after "nearly four months of winter lockdown".

He explained: "All of our publicans have put in a huge amount of investment and effort getting ready for re-opening with tents popping up everywhere, renewed Covid risk assessments and staff training to make sure they are all ready to welcome their customers back today in a safe and responsible way.

"Over 60 of our pubs are planning to open this week and we have some really fantastic pubs on the Wiltshire Downs.

"All of the pubs will be using tack and trace, the rule of six applies and it's table service only, but restrictions aside, we think that everyone can still enjoy a visit to the pub and a long-awaited fresh pint.

"Opening times will vary hugely as we are all at the mercy of the English weather. Do check with your local pub before dropping in."