THE country has opened up a little and the sun is shining. What better way to celebrate than a trip to the pub.
From Monday, April 12, our favourite local pubs with gardens seating reopened as Government eased the strict lockdown restrictions.
A few waterholes might also look a bit different than we remember as they have refurbished during lockdown to accommodate more people for outdoor drinking.
Some of them have transformed their beer gardens into stylish spaces with gazebos, pods and outdoor dining areas to allow as many people as possible to make the most of lockdown easing.
Below are just some of the venues in our town ready to show off their new and improved outside areas.
Spruce Goose Beefeater
The pub at Basingstoke Leisure Park on Worting Road has undertaken several renovation works during the lockdown.
Lee Hamerston, the general manager of Spruce Goose Beefeater, said he can’t wait for his pub to reopen.
“Our garden used to seat about 40 people. But now we can seat around 240 people.
“It’s still not exactly how I wanted but the progress we have made is fantastic. We have got lots of new benches, umbrellas and a brand-new deck that seats 36 people.
“We got a huge back garden area that wasn’t there before. It was just bush. We cut all the garden and turned it into seating area. We also got new speakers to entertain our customers.”
The renovations have been made with a significant investment though.
“Initially we spent around £20,000 for getting the pub Covid secure during the first lockdown. We installed lots of screens during that time," Lee added.
“Now for the garden, [we have spent] another good £20,000.”
The renovations are expected to attract more customers as Lee has already received bookings of 400 people for the first week.
“In the second, week we have bookings from around 400-500 people,” Lee added.
The Holly Blue
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, it will reopen next week, offering a limited menu of classic pub favourites using a contactless ordering system, with social distancing measures in place.
George Robertson, General Manager of The Holly Blue, said: “The team and I are really looking forward to welcoming guests back home again to the Holly Blue.
"Even though the building was finished a year ago, we have only managed to welcome guests for just over nine weeks so far due to the pandemic. We know there are still a lot of people wanting to visit us safely for the first time.
“We are now ready to reopen for outdoor hospitality and have an amazing 80 cover marquee outside, very much in keeping with the look and feel of the Holly Blue itself.”
The Rising Sun
The Chapel Hill pub has transformed itself as part of the reopening next week.
A Facebook post by the pub read: “We have invested in a new marque and additional undercover seating so there should be plenty of space some with electric heaters.”
The Brewhouse
The Basingstoke-based brewery Andwell Brewing Company is all set for a grand opening next week.
They are also holding their first extended hours event on April 16.
The Crown Old Basing
The Crown will be reopening on April 13 (Tuesday).
It is not planning table bookings when it reopens next week, but instead operating on a first come first served basis.
A Facebook post added: “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.”
Portsmouth Arms
Part of the Hall and Woodhouse group, the Portsmouth Arms will be reopening next week for outdoor drinking.
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
The Fox and Goose in Greywell will be open next week, with its outside area accessible for customers to enjoy a drink or eat.
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
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
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.
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.
White Hart
The White Hart at Sherfield on Loddon 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.”
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