Pub operator Brains and Marston’s have announced which pubs will reopen when rules are relaxed on Monday, 26 April.

Marston’s, which took over the running of all of Brains pubs in Wales late last year, has released a list of local watering holes that will reopen and provide an outdoor service when rules allow from Monday after First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed pubs, restaurants and cafes can reopen outdoors only from Monday.

Several locally run pubs have made special arrangements to improve the outdoor experience, including the White Lion, Machynlleth; Bottle and Barrel, Aberystwyth; Glengower, Aberystwyth; Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn; Halfway Inn, Pisgah; Talbot, Tregaron; Rhos yr Hafod, Cross Inn (Llanon) and the Three Horseshoe, Llangeitho.

Other public houses preparing to open include Tafarn y Maes in Capel Bangor, the Wildfowler in Tre’r-ddol and the Rhydypennau in Bow Street and the Llew Coch in Machynlleth.

Brains and Marston’s announced today that they are planning to reopen Lord Beechings in Aberystwyth; Saddler’s Arms Cardigan; Ship Inn Tresaith; Skinner’s Arms, Machynlleth; Whitehall Hotel, Corbett Square, Tywyn; Oak on High Street in Penrhyndeudraeth and the Ship Inn, Llanbedrog.

With the focus on alfresco hospitality, pubs that can accommodate customers in outdoor gardens will operate with an adapted offering in line with restrictions.

Key details across all Brains and Marston’s pubs regarding reopening include adapted food and drink offers, an online ordering system called ‘Marston’s Tap’; online bookings and access to toilets.

Bookings are being accepted and guests can reserve a table via each pub’s website. Pubs will also be accepting walk-ins.

Ralph Findlay, Marston’s CEO, said: “We are delighted many of our pubs and Brains’ pubs across Wales will reopen and teams can welcome back guests. It’s been a challenging time, but we are excited to see friends and family reunite and enjoy going out once again.”

Pubs, bars and restaurants across Wales have been closed since early December.

Speaking to the Cambrian News last week, reflecting on what has been a difficult few months for the industry, Bae Ceredigion CAMRA chair Kathy Giles said: “I can only imagine how tough the past year has been for pubs.

“Local communities have very much appreciated the services that they have provided during the pandemic such as takeaway food and beer delivery.

“I’d like to send all our local publicans and their teams every good wish as they start to reopen their premises and I urge everyone to support their local pub to help ensure that it remains a vital and much-loved part of the community.”

Yr Hen Orsaf, the Wetherspoons pub at Aberystwyth’s railway station, has also confirmed it is to open the outdoor area next to the platform from Monday, 26 April and will be serving food and drink without a booking system.