Wetherspoon opens on-street beer garden at The Cooper Rose in Sunderland

At 9am, The Cooper Rose in Sunderland opened its doors for the first time in months as non-essential shops, out outdoor hospitality were finally allowed to reopen today. 

Follow: Live updates as shoppers return and beer gardens reopen in the North-East 

The Northern Echo first revealed that Wetherspoon, and nearby Chaplins, had asked Sunderland City Council for permission to close part of Derwent Street earlier this year.

Read more: Wetherspoon asks to close road behind Sunderland pub to open beer garden

At the time, the pub chain said it did not have sufficient outdoor space to open a beer garden - with concerns it may not be able to resume trade until May 17.

But after discussions between Sunderland City Council, Chaplins and Wetherspoon concluded, the chain confirmed it had been given permission to open a beer garden.

At the time a spokesperson for the chain said the beer garden at The Cooper Rose would be transformed to include planting, lighting and space for 36 people.

Eddie Gershon said: "The road was closed by the council on the 29th March and The Cooper Rose will have nine tables and 36 chairs out with some planting and lighting.

"The pub shares the space with Chaplins bar (opposite) who have also shared the set up costs."

But confirming it is opening today, the brand new beer garden has now been kitted out with tables, chairs, plants and lighting.

A short statement online said: "This pub is open, with restricted service. Please note that table-bookings are not taken at any of our pubs."

Follow: Live updates as shoppers return and beer gardens reopen in the North-East