WETHERSPOON is to open more of its pubs across the country next week as the easing of the lockdown continues, the company has announced.

In total, the chain will go ahead with opening 32 venues in Wales next week.

Under Welsh Government guidance, outdoor hospitality has been given the green light to reopen from Monday, April 26.

From that same Monday, all Wetherspoon pubs in the UK will be extending their opening times for an extra hour each day.

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “We are looking forward to opening the extra pubs in England as well as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers and staff back to our pubs.”

How will pubs operate safely outdoors?

A Welsh Government spokesman said that venues will be required to take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus when reopening.

For example:

• Customers will be encouraged to pre-book with details of all members of the group.

• Contact details will be required for contact tracing purposes

• Entry to the premises will be controlled

• Licenced premises, such as pubs, will be providing table service only

• All food and drink should be consumed at tables

• Physical distancing measures will be applied, such as tables being spaced out

• Face coverings must be worn other than when seated to eat or drink

The spokesman adds: “When utilising outdoor spaces, hospitality venues are required to ensure that the use of physical coverings, awnings, gazebos, marquees and similar structures are implemented in a way that is aligned with current public health advice.

“Generally this means that structures with a roof or ceiling must be open-sided (at least 3 sides or more than 51 per cent open).”

What Wetherspoons are opening in our area – and what can customers expect?

Customers will be able to eat and drink in the beer gardens and outside spaces at each of the pubs from 9am to 9pm (Sunday to Thursday inclusive) and 9am to 10pm (Friday and Saturday).

The pubs will offer a slightly reduced menu - to include breakfast, burgers, pizza, deli deals and fish and chips. Food will be available from 9am to 7pm seven days a week.

Customers will be able to order and pay through the Wetherspoon app, however, staff will be able to take orders and payment at the table from those who do not have the app.

Wetherspoon bosses confirm that customers will be able to enter the pubs to gain access to the outside area and also to use toilets.

NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect Service will be in operation and hand sanitisers will be available.

Here’s the full list of North Wales venues opening next week:

• Black Bull Inn, Bangor

• Tafarn Y Porth, Caernarfon

• Gold Cape, Mold

• Castle Hotel, Ruthin

• Central Hotel, Shotton