HOSPITALITY businesses across Chester city centre are preparing to reopen their doors to the public from Monday, April 12.

Having been given the official go-ahead from the Government as part of the lockdown restrictions easing, pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to open outdoor sections for customers to eat and drink.

Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Chester BID is keeping a running tally of those which will be able to serve customers from Monday via their Experience Chester website , with frequent updates. This list is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.

Here are those who are reopening, and which establishments are taking bookings.

Booking advised:

  • Restaurant 1539
  • The White Horse
  • Ristorante Sergio
  • Bollinici – call 01244 329932
  • Opera Grill
  • The Coach House – email reservations@coachhousechester.co.uk
  • Pied Bull – email contact@piedbull.co.uk
  • Architect
  • The Townhouse Hotel & Secret Garden – also space for walk-ins
  • Popcorn – tables held back for walk-ins and bookings available via DMs on social media channels
  • Piccolino – outside terrace
  • Chester Boats – sightseeing and party cruises

Accepting walk-ins from April 12:

  • Commonhall Social – both Commonhall street location and the finishing post at Chester Racecourse
  • Church Bar & Restaurant open 12-12 including new terrace bar
  • Off the Wall
  • The Townhouse Hotel & Secret Garden – also taking bookings online
  • Popcorn – tables for bookings via DMs on social media channels and tables held back for walk-ins

Confirmed to be opening, but not yet taking bookings:

  • Ye Olde Custom House
  • Beer Heroes

Opening on Friday, April 16:

  • Oddfellows – book online; pre-bookings essential, no walk-ins

Several hospitality businesses will be unable to reopen next week due to insufficient outdoor dining space. However, all pubs, bars and restaurants should be able to reopen from May 17; the next stage of the Government's easing of lockdown.

From May 17, indoor hospitality will reopen, and venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor will there be a curfew. Customers will, however, have to order, eat and drink while seated.

Those taking bookings for May 17 onwards include: