One feature of many of our lives that has been strangely absent in the last year is the humble British pub.

Memories of relaxing in a sunny garden with a refreshing drink in hand, or sheltering from the cold with something a bit stronger, come to mind. But throughout much of 2020 and 2021, they haven’t been able to be there for us.

But following the government’s lockdown roadmap being announced, pubs will be able to reopen outdoors from April 12, with indoor seating from May 17.

Ahead of the reopening, here’s 10 pubs in and around Basingstoke where you will be able to sit outdoors:

Holly Blue, Beggarwood

Having only opened in July 2020, after being built at a cost of £4 million, the Holly Blue hasn’t had much chance to bring in the public. However, from April 14, it will reopen, offering a limited menu of classic pub favourites using a contactless ordering system, with social distancing measures in place.

Portsmouth Arms, Hatch Warren

Part of the Hall and Woodhouse group, like the Holly Blue, the Portsmouth Arms will be reopening on the same day.

Matt Kearsey, managing director of Hall and Woodhouse, said: “We are delighted to be able to re-open a number of our houses for outdoor use. Our pubs play a vital role in their community and we are excited to be making preparations to welcome our guests back safely. We’ve missed them.

“We have created all-weather solutions to cope with the obvious challenges of only opening outside in April. Guests will be able to book a number of covered tables if they do not want to take their chances with the Great British weather.”

Customers should pre-book a table online, with bookings of no more than six people available with a 90-minute slot at the table.

Fox and Goose, Greywell

The Fox and Goose in Greywell will be open from April 12, with its outside area open for customers to enjoy a drink or eat – the rule about substantial meals having been dropped.

Landlady Chris said there is a marquee up in the garden to offer shelter if it rains, and children can enjoy the play park area outside.

She told the Gazette: “We’re really excited to welcome customers back.”

Wellington Arms, Stratfield Turgis

The Wellington Arms, in Stratfield Turgis, has launched its online bookings for customers to pre-book a table outside from April 12.

A statement on the pub’s Facebook page said: “We’re now taking outside bookings from Monday 12 April, ready to welcome you back safely once again. Catch up with friends and family on our pub patio, either soaking up the sunshine or taking shade under our giant umbrellas.”

Customers can book a table for up to six people from mixed households or up to eight people from two households.

Barton’s Mill, Old Basing

Barton’s Mill, in Old Basing, is taking table bookings from April 12.

It has launched an online booking system for customers to book a table under one of its outdoor canopies, available for a two-hour slot for a maximum of six people.

Rising Sun

The central Basingstoke pub will also be reopening on April 12, making use of its outdoor garden.

In a statement, they said: “It has been a long time and we have missed you all. Service will be outside only and currently the rules are only 2 households per table for this first phase.

“We have invested in a new marque and additional undercover seating so there should be plenty of space some with electric heaters.”

Customers should get in touch with the pub to arrange a booking

Watership Down Inn, Freefolk

The historic pub in Freefolk is reopening on April 15. It has erected a marquee in its garden for customers to come, with the rule of six, or two households, in place for tables.

Booking enquries should be sent to: enquiries@watershipdowninn.com

Fox Inn, Newfound

The Fox Inn will be opening on April 16 at 4pm following work to make the pub work with the new rules. The Barbecue area has been turned into covered seating, while a marquee has been erected in the garden next to the smoking area. The pub will also be providing music outdoors.

Social distancing measures will be in place, and there will be a limit on the total numbers of visitors to the pub, with bookings necessary to gain a space at the pub.

The Crown, Old Basing

The Old Basing staple will be back from April 13 at midday. Unlike some other pubs, it will not operate a table booking system, but instead a first come first served system instead.

In a statement, the pub said: “Thank you so much for bearing with us while we have been sorting out our reopening plans! We are now thrilled to announce that all being well with the governments lockdown roadmap, we will be reopening our garden on Tuesday April 13 at 12 noon.

“We will not be accepting table bookings for reopening, but operating on a first come first served basis. We will not have time limits on tables, and we will be accepting cash and card payments. You will also be able to order pints to takeaway!

“We cannot wait to welcome you all back, and we are busy making improvements to the garden, so that when we are able to open, it is looking beautiful for you, while still being a safe and covid secure space.”

White Hart, Sherfield on Loddon

The White Hart will also be making a comeback, opening on April 12.

The pub said: “Wave goodbye to Zoom quizzes, turn off Netflix and join us as we raise a glass to being back together.

“Book for reservations from April 12 and start planning your reunions here.”