10 Knutsford venues you can sit outside at from April 12

It's been an incredibly difficult 12 months for everyone, but especially those running their own businesses, with the country experiencing three national lockdowns.

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his road map out of lockdown back in February, the one date that stood out for most was April 12, with hair dressers, salons and shops also re-opening.

For the hospitality sector, it means restaurants and pubs can trade again, but they can only do so for outdoor service, with the rule of six making a return.

The hugely unpopular 10pm curfew and the requirement to have a substantial meal with any alcoholic drink have now also been dropped.

Here are some of the pubs, bars and restaurants in and around Knutsford you might want to support from next Monday.

1. The Lost & Found, Knutsford

Based in the beautiful old Town Hall on Princess Street, The Lost & Found aims to serve the best cocktails in town. The focus is on theatrical cocktail serves and premium quality, freshly made food with British ingredients and an above and beyond customer service approach. With a large outdoor terrace at the front of the building, the team are gearing themselves up for welcoming back customers, with online booking being advised. Not all outdoor seats are under cover so here's hoping the weather is kind.

The Lost & Found in Knutsford

2. The Bears Paw, High Legh

Once a former farm house, now a gastronomic delight, The Bears Paw is a little oasis on the A50. A charming 17th century building surrounded by beautiful lawns and flowers tempts you in from the start. Serving Traditional English meals alongside some European favourites, the courtyard and beer garden will be open from April 12. There is also dining and drinking at the shack, which has been fitted with a new side, keeping any potential wind chill at bay.

The Bears Paw in High Legh

3. The Rose and Crown, Knutsford

The team at Rose & Crown offer high quality, great British food (focusing on locally sourced ingredients), and excellent service. The team also offer guests the use of the stunning outside bar/terrace, which will be open for customers from April 12. The terrace will be open for drinks on Monday and Tuesdays and from Wednesday to Sunday, for both food and drink. Tables for drinks are on a first come, first served basis and booking requests can be made via the website www.knutsfordroseandcrown.co.uk or email requests to info@knutsfrodroseandcrown.co.uk.

Rose and Crown in Knutsford

4. Piccolino, King Street, Knutsford

The ever popular Italian chain is delighted to be re-opening its outdoor terrace to diners on April 12. There is limited availability and booking is described as being essential. With an amazing pizza and pasta menu and a wine list to die for, tables are likely to go fast. https://piccolinorestaurants.com/book-now/.

Piccolino's outdoor terrace in Knutsford.

5. The Roebuck Inn, Mill Lane, Mobberley

Throughout lockdown the team behind the Roebuck Inn created a community 'pub hub' which has proven to be extremely popular. From April 12 there will be a new ‘Garden Menu’ with all the Roebuck favourites and the drinks that you have missed. The Pub-Hub will continue as normal for you to enjoy too. There will be lots of outside seating waiting, with plenty of garden umbrellas.

The Roebuck Inn, Mobberley.

6. The Red Lion, Pickmere

The Red Lion is a fabulous country pub situated in the village of Pickmere where you can enjoy quality food and drink in relaxed and inviting surroundings. The surrounding beer garden will be back open for business on April 12 and will be offered on a first come first served basis, with no bookings currently being taken. Food will be served every day between 12pm-7pm with drinks until 9pm.

The Red Lion in the village of Pickmere.

7. The Dun Cow Inn, Chelford Road, Knutsford

This family run destination pub with dining, is just outside Knutsford in the village of Ollerton. There will be a smaller marquee covering for spring as the team didn't want to block the sunshine out too much (fingers crossed) and there will be some heating provided but not in all areas. Bookings are being taken for dining on the patio areas and there will also be space on the field/paddock should those spaces become fully booked. If the weather is kind enough and you haven't reserved a spot, bring a picnic rug as there is ample space on the paddock for drinks.

The Dun Cow in Ollerton.

8. Dexter and Jones, Princess Street, Knutsford

With hundreds of craft beers, with many on draft, dozens of wines and even more gins, Knutsford's unique bottle shop has been open throughout lockdown and making deliveries across the region. However, their outdoor seating area will be back on April 12. It will be open all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday and from 5pm throughout the week. Expect lots of fun, smiles and the occasional spot of impromptu dancing.

Adam and Katy are reading to welcome customers back to their outdoor tables.

9. Suburban Green, Hawthorn Lane, Wilmslow

Suburban Green is the perfect hideaway. An ideal spot for drinking, dining and relaxing, it is a unique place with a carefully crafted small plates menu, classic cocktails, craft beers and fine wines that simply make it too easy to stay all day. Bookings need to be made online at https://www.suburban-green.co.uk/ but there will be some tables available on a first come first served basis.

Suburban Green in Wilmslow.

10. The Honey Bee, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow

The inn was previously known as Oversley House, and was a private home until the mid 20th Century. After a spell as a residential home for the elderly, the building became Oversley House Hotel before it became a public house. The menu is full of hearty favourites and country pub classics, as well as seasonal spring dishes, and they'll be ready with a well-stocked bar, including cask ales, fine wines and British gin to suit every taste - which we're sue will taste all the better when enjoyed in the beautiful gardens. Bookings are advised https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/north-west/thehoneybeewilmslow/tablebooking.

The Honey Bee in Wilmslow.