Greene King now taking bookings for tables in its 442 pub gardens – how to book

GREENE King is now taking bookings for tables in 442 of its beer gardens for when lockdown restrictions ease on April 12.

The pub chain opened up bookings on its website this afternoon, so thirsty Brits can reserve themselves a table to grab a pint.

You’ll only be able to book a table outside, as bars and restaurants won’t be able to serve punters inside until at least mid-May.

You can book online on Greene King’s website here.

The pub chain announced the news on Twitter today, and said it “can’t wait” to welcome Brits back into its boozers.

Greene King announced earlier this month that it was planning to open 442 of its pubs on April 12 to coincide with the roadmap out of lockdown.

This only represents around a third of its estate where there is outdoor space available.

You can find out whether your local pub is open using the chain’s pub locator tool on its website.

You can also check out our list below.

Some pubs will have reduced opening hours and menus which will be updated on their own individual website.

Drinkers will only be able to meet in groups of six or two households, according to Government regulations.

Greene King Pub Partners tenants, who make up a further 875 pubs across England, will also be separately deciding on an individual basis whether to reopen their outdoor areas.

However, you might want to book a table sooner rather than later.

Brits are struggling to get a beer garden table, with hundreds of pubs and bars across the country fully booked for months.

Claims on social media suggest some are selling their pub bookings three weeks before boozers open up their gardens for the first time in months.

If you’re lucky enough to grab a table, it is likely that you’ll have to follow certain rules when you take a trip to your nearest pub.

Social distancing is expected to stay in place all summer as the nation starts to reopen again under Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown.

When you visit your local Greene King boozer, there will be a limit on how many people you can meet up with.

The Rule of Six has been brought back, which means six people from up to six households can sit together outdoors.

Alternatively, two households can meet.

But the hated 10pm curfew has been scrapped and customers won’t have to buy a “substantial meal” when they order an alcoholic drink.

Like before, face masks must be worn by staff and customers when not sat at a table.

Greene King has told The Sun that punters can order and pay via its app which is available to download on Google Play or the App Store.

However, there will be table service as well.

You don’t have to book ahead to grab a table, though.

The chain has told The Sun that people can arrive without booking in advance and still be seated – although you might have to wait until one is free.

Pubs and restaurants can reopen under step two of the PM’s plan to ease lockdown restrictions.

This date is pencilled in for April 12, but businesses will only be allowed to reopen if coronavirus cases keep falling and the vaccine programme stays on schedule.

If all goes to plan, indoor dining at pubs and restaurants will be allowed from May 17.

On June 21, all remaining lockdown restrictions will be lifted.

Even for outdoor bookings, boozers must only offer table service and social distancing will still need to be observed.

In better news, the hated 10pm curfew will be scrapped and drinkers won’t have to order a substantial meal with their alcohol, putting an end to the Scotch egg debate.

Check the reopening plans from some of the main pub groups.