After a month of sitting through all weather to enjoy food and drink with friends, pubs and restaurants will be allowed to welcome visitors indoors again from Monday, May 17.

This is exciting news for the venues that couldn't offer an outside service when lockdown rules changed on April 12, and now business owners are putting the finishing touches in place to make sure everything runs smoothly on their first days back.

Below are just a few of Salisbury's beloved pubs that will be back in action from Monday.

Read more:

'Nervous but optimistic'

The Bell and Crown is just one of the hostelries that will be reopening in a couple of days, and Robert Daley, who took over the site last year with parents Amanda and Kevin, said it feels "amazing" to prepare for reopening.

He is looking forward to catching up with customers and "discussing their lockdown triumphs like building a shed and naming it the 'corona palace' or having to be stuck inside listening to your boyfriend play the same music over and over again".

He added: "We're so excited to see how well our new interactive darts do as well.

"I'm also nervous to have a good run at being a landlord and to see how things pan out for the future. But I am very optimistic for opening on Monday."

Salisbury Journal: The Bell and Crown - Picture by Robert IngramThe Bell and Crown - Picture by Robert Ingram

Locally sourced food

The New Inn is another establishment set to offer indoor seating from Monday.

The business prides itself on locally sourced and freshly cooked food, including the finest fish and game.

Matt Kearsey, managing director of Hall & Woodhouse, which owns The New Inn, said: “We have taken the time to carry out refresher training for our team and have added some new menu dishes to our traditional favourites.

"We are really looking forward to being able to offer our guests great, safe hospitality either inside or outside over what promises to be an exciting summer.

“What the past year has taught us is that the country’s love for the pub is as strong as ever, and we are thankful that our houses get to play the part of bringing people safely back together.

"The support that we have received from our team and local communities during such a turbulent time has been overwhelming and we are so grateful."

Salisbury Journal: The New Inn SalisburyThe New Inn Salisbury

Cocktails and craft beer

The Bridge Tap has been a staple in the city since 2017, known for 2-4-1 cocktails, live music and quiz nights.

According to the venue's Facebook page, The Bridge Tap's return on Monday will be one with new burgers, new drinks, new desserts and more.

The pub specialises in cocktails, craft beers and pizza.

Salisbury Journal: The Bridge Tap will be reopening on MondayThe Bridge Tap will be reopening on Monday

Live sport

The Cathedral Bar and Hotel on Milford Street will be reopening 11am on Monday.

As well as the return of food, drink and hotel rooms, the venue is excited to open to the public just in time to host viewing events for huge sport fixtures and finals.

A popular bar within Salisbury's late night economy, the site hopes to see the return of DJs at the end of June, in line with the next and final lockdown lift.

Salisbury Journal: Cathedral Bar and Hotel ready to reopenCathedral Bar and Hotel ready to reopen

Almost ready

A new hospitality venue complete with courtyard, roof terrace, street food and live music opportunities is coming to Salisbury, due to open at the end of the month.

While not opening on Monday, the new establishment, to be called 'Brown Street', has replaced the Alzheimer's Society building along Brown Street, which has now been demolished.

The open space, which is the latest venture by The Chapel Nightclub's Amanda Newbery, is currently being transformed into a courtyard with room for seating, three street food caterers and a platform for live music and DJs.

The space will then connect to a bar area inside The Chapel Nightclub building, Sarum 76.

Salisbury Journal: Plans for 'Brown Street' - A new hospitality area along Brown StreetPlans for 'Brown Street' - A new hospitality area along Brown Street

Are you reopening on Monday? Let us know! Get in touch by emailing newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk

Get more Salisbury news

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.