Pubs in Flintshire and Wrexham opening beer gardens and terraces from April 26

From Monday, April 26, pubs in Wales can serve customers in beer gardens, outside terraces, and marquees.

However, there will still be strict hygiene and social distancing measures in place to limit the spread of coronavirus as Wales looks to move from Alert Level 4 to 3.

Now our locals are stocking up on all our favourite tipples and many are recruiting new staff to replace those who took other positions during lockdown.

Pubs in Wrexham and Flintshire warmly welcomed the news when it was announced on - of all days - April 1.

On Facebook the Fat Boar, which has pubs in Mold and Wrexham, said: "Food on plates, drinks in glasses alert!!! It’s no April fool we are on our way back.......

"As per today’s announcement by the first minister we will be opening our outside terrace and garden on Monday 26th April.

"As previously, we do require people to book in advance via our website."

The Crown and Liver in Hawarden posted: "It’s no April fools, we’re opening back up!

"We’ve been given the go ahead from the 26th April to open outside for some cheeky drinks & grub with your friends & family in the sun!

"We cannot wait to see you all & welcome you all back!"

Pubs like the Fat Boar, George and Dragon in Flint, and The Burntwood in Drury have invested in outdoor seating areas.

The George and Dragon in Flint posted: "I am so pleased to announce we will finally be opening our doors to all our lovely customers. Only the beer garden to begin with and it’s been all spruced up for your return as somewhere to relax and chill with friends."

Not all pubs are reopening on the same date. Some are waiting for more details on the rules while others are awaiting the word from head office.

But those that are opening are hopeful that customers will stick to the rules so the Easter Bank Holiday weekend will be the last where they have had to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Andrew Griffiths, landlord of The Burntwood, posted on Facebook: "We would just like to approach the rules we have set out for our future reopening, we understand that these rules are a inconvenience to us all as its a big change from the normality we had just over a year ago, but we have come so far and numbers are dropping and it's our responsibility to follow rules for a little longer (hopefully).

"We would all much prefer to be open with a few rules then being stuck in our own homes seeing the same four walls, remember we have been closed for so long and have been given a great responsibility and pressure to make and enforce these rules and we would love to see the back of them as much as you.

"All we ask is that you follow the rules we have set out, respect us and our staff make our lives and jobs a little easier and in a few months hopefully come out of this covid nightmare together."

Many pubs have already been overwhelmed with people wanting to book an outside table.

Buckley's Black Lion posted: "Sorry in any delays in getting back to your messages! We are non stop here preparing to open safely! We are now fully booked Friday 30th April & Saturday 1st May! But remember it’s a bank holiday weekend with limited spaces still available Sunday & Monday!

"We are so excited for you to fill the place with laughter and cheer again."

Pant yr Ochain posted: "Hope this finds you safe and well. At long last, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Whilst we can’t quite fling open the front doors just yet, we can open up our garden for groups from 2 households of up to 6 people, excluding children under 11, to enjoy some alfresco eating and drinking from April 26th.

"We’re putting a marquee full of tables in the garden, for which you can book online here or alternatively our terrace tables will be available should you just want to pop down and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat without a booking.

"We’d also kindly ask, if you’ve booked a table, please stick to the booking time or give us a call if your plans change and you can’t make it - we have limited tables available outside, so we unfortunately won’t be able to hold onto tables."

Booking is required at most pubs. It is advisable to contact your local to check on opening times and rules.

Twenty pubs offering outside service from April 26:

1. "Hendys" The Castle, Shotton - Garden open for outdoor seating with table service. Outdoor bar maybe open serving bottles only.
2. Red Hall Hotel, Connah's Quay - Beer garden open for outdoor service.
3. Glasfryn, Mold - Garden open for groups of up to six people from two households, excluding children under 11, for food and drink.
4. Fat Boar, Mold - Food and drink served on the outside terrace and garden from April 26. Booking required.
5. The Boot Inn, Northop - Outside seating area. Booking required.
6. Red Lion, Penyffordd - Food and drink served outside.
7. The Black Lion, Buckley - Beer garden open. Booking required.
8. The Burntwood, Drury - Drinks served in the new outdoor area. Booking required.
9. The George and Dragon, Flint - Food and drink served in the "spruced up" beer garden.
10. Mill Tavern, Flint - Beer garden open.
11. The Crown and Liver, Hawarden - Food and drink served outside. Booking required.
12. The Hand, Chirk - Outdoor food and drink served.
13. Bridge Inn (The Trap), Chirk - Outdoor seating area. Staff will refill your hot water bottle if its chilly.
14. Fat Boar, Wrexham - Food and drink served on the outside terrace and garden from April 26. Booking required.
15. The Nag's Head, Wrexham - Food and drink served in the beer garden. Booking required.
16. Cross Foxes, Erbistick, Wrexham - Outdoor dining and drinks service. Booking required.
17. Pant yr Ochain, Gresford - Food and drink served outdoors in the garden marquee as well as the outside terrace (no booking required for terrace).
18. Trotting Mare Inn, Overton - Drinks served outside with a limited food menu available. Barbecue on April 30 and May 1 (weather permitting).
19. The Sun, Trevor - Beer garden open.
20. The Three Eagles, Llangollen - Courtyard will be open for lunch, dinner and drinks. Bookings being taken now.