PUBS and restaurants are keen to get Darlington residents back through their doors, with many taking bookings already ahead of reopening in April. 

According to the government's road map out of lockdown, hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants can serve people outdoors from April 12. 

Unlike previous restrictions, there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol and no curfew.

Venues must, however, operate table service. 

While April 12 is the provisional date, the Prime Minister address whether this is still the case on April 5. 

This assessment will be based on how the vaccine deployment is going, that vaccinations are effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated, that the NHS is not under "unsustainable pressure" and depending on the emergence of variants. 

Pubs in Darlington have eagerly grabbed on to the April date, with many filling up their Spring diaries with bookings of equally eager customers.

By this point, the rule of six will also be back in force, with outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households be allowed.

The Mowden is having work done to improve its outdoor space before welcoming people back, while others have not announced plans.

Here are five pubs in Darlington that are reopening in April: 

The Grange Bar, Grange Road

The Grange Bar will be opening its spacious courtyard on 12 April, from 12 noon until "late", giving eager customers a decent amount of time to settle in and enjoy being back at the pub. 

Bar owners say it will be open from Monday to Saturday but are not taking table bookings and will not impose a time limit for tables - so get there early.

Bar snacks will also be available. 

Macy Browns, The Imperial Business Centre

Macy Browns is a little cocktail bar in the heart of Darlington, serving up cocktails, bottled beers and spirits.

The bar is taking booking and walk-ins but encourages customers to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Customers will have to put down a deposit to book, which can be used to buy drinks.

Writing on Facebook, bosses said: "If customers prefer they will be able to queue for a table but we can’t guarantee how long your wait may be.

"Customers who have booked early and paid a deposit will take priority."

The bar will close at 2am and will have a DJ all night.

Hotel Bannatynes, Southend Avenue 

The hotel offers luxury accommodation, fine dining, conference facilities, private dining rooms and a modern function suite but just its pavilion outside will be open in April.

In a post on Facebook sharing a picture of its gardens, the hotel wrote: "From 12th April, these stunning gardens will be open once again for dining and drinks, each day from morning to night!

"Watch this space for future menu announcements, but in the meantime, what would you like to see when we open our outdoor spaces again?"

Bosses added that the venue's diary is filling up fast and urged people to get in touch to book.

Shuttle and Loom, Whinfield Road 

Shuttle and Loom says it has something for everyone in the family or friendship group. 

"Famous" for flame-grilled food and sizzling skillets, the pub's opening hours and food service times may differ but this is still to be confirmed. 

While it's not taking bookings just yet, a dedicated booking system via the pub's app will be up and running from March 22.

Bosses said: "So please download our app ready to secure your table.

"There may be some slight alterations to opening hours and food service times - we will update you once the Government has confirmed on the 5th April that the stages are still in place to open for the 12th."

The Three Crowns, Archer Street

With 20 outdoor tables that seat six each, The Three Crowns has been taking bookings since the government's road map was announced.

The pub is also encouraging people to bring along blankets and water bottles, so nothing can deter you from a cold pint.

In a Facebook post, they wrote: "We are now open to book them to come and enjoy a nice refreshing drink all drinks are to be ordered and drank at your table

"Patrons may enter the pub to use the toilet facilities and will be monitored strictly to make sure there isn't a large gathering inside waiting to use them

"Don't worry if it's raining we have you covered quite literally tables will have individual gazebos covering them.

"If it's a dull day wrap up warm buy all means bring blankets and hot water bottles with you we are more than happy to keep them filled up for you.

"We are looking forward to getting back to some form of normality and welcoming are valued customers back its been too long."

The Countryman and Countryview Caravan Site, Dunwell Lane 

The Countryman is a traditional country pub and campsite in Bolam.

The pub offers customers traditional homemade food within a cosy, which is has been doing via takeout through this lockdown, and atmospheric 19th-century building. 

While bosses have not said whether they will be operating bookings or walk-ins, they have confirmed the reopening, writing: "All of us at The Countryman are so thrilled to be able to open Countryview Campsite from the 12th April! We can’t wait to see you all!"