PUBS have had an extremely difficult time during the coronavirus pandemic.

They have been forced to close for months on end due to lockdown restrictions and also forced to implement new safety measures once open.

Some pubs have been able to open since last month, with outside areas able to welcome back customers once again.

However, some pubs do not have the luxury of a large garden and outside space so have had to remain closed.

From Monday under stage three of the Government's relaxing of lockdown restrictions pubs are able to open indoors once again.

This means many pubs across Colchester and the surrounding areas will be reopening next week for the first time in five months.

Read more:

But which pubs are reopening on Monday?

Here is a list of the watering holes which will welcome back drinkers this week:

May 17:

  • Artilleryman
  • Brewers Arms
  • Bell Inn, Feering
  • The Bull
  • Camulodunum
  • Centurion
  • Dog and Pheasant, Colchester
  • Dog and Pheasant, East Bergholt
  • Donky and Buskins, Layer
  • Hospital Arms
  • Olde Albion, Rowhedge
  • Purple Dog
  • Rose and Crown, Wivenhoe
  • Rose and Crown Hotel
  • Slug and Lettuce
  • Swann Inn, Stanway
  • Victoria Inn
  • Walkabout
  • White Hart Hotel, Coggeshall
  • White Hart, Stanway

May 18

  • Stock and Bailey Wine Bar

May 19

  • Church Street Tavern

May 21

  • The Magnet

What new rules are in place at pubs?

Gazette:

Your experience at your local boozer will likely be a bit different, at least for the moment.

It will be table service only, for both drinks and food, with no ordering at the bar.

The test and trace rules have been toughened and all boozers will have to check in upon arrival.

Covid status certification, or vaccine passports, will not be required in stage three of the roadmap from Monday.

Guests must observe the rule of six indoors from Monday, or those from two households.

Outside, however, the rules are being relaxed to allow up to 30 people to dine or drink together.

People are advised to check the social media accounts of the pubs for the rules which will be in place and opening hours.

Not on the list?

If your pub is reopening next week, email us on robbie.bryson@newsquest.co.uk to be added to the list.