Wetherspoon announces plans to reopen hundreds of pubs next month

Wetherspoon has announced it will open hundreds of its pubs across England from next month – the first possible date that it can reopen to customers.

The company said it will open beer gardens, rooftop gardens, rooftop gardens and patios at 394 of its pubs on April 12 when the coronavirus lockdown continues to ease.

The pubs will be open 12 hours a day – from 9am to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, although some will have restrictions on closing times.

They will offer a slightly reduced menu, with food available from 9am to 8pm seven days a week.

Customers will be able to order and pay through the Wetherspoon app and staff will be able to take orders and payment at customer’s table.

The pubs will not be operating a booking system.

Pubs have been forced to close under the national lockdown
(Image: Wetherspoon/PA)

Customers will be able to enter the inside of pubs to gain access to outdoor areas and use bathroom facilities. Test and trace will be in operation and hand sanitiser will be available.

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our customers and staff back to our pubs.”

Pubs and restaurants in England will be able to serve customers outdoors from April 12 as part of the road map out of the lockdown which has devastated the hospitality sector.

Wetherspoon has 875 pubs in the UK, including 750 in England.

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