From 12 April pubs with outdoor areas are, at last, allowed to reopen. From what we understand the majority of the town’s pubs are waiting until 17 May to reopen, but a few are planning to serve drinks en plein air. Thus far we understand that The Star, The Station (Top House), Banks Lounge Bar and the Belle Vue will be opening on the Glorious Twelfth.

The rules have changed slightly since the last time pubs were open. The substantial meal requirement has gone, you can merely drink to your heart’s context. It will once again be table service only and track and trace will be returning. In another slight change, everyone must provide details either via the NHS Covid-19 App or by giving details to your server. Customers must also follow the rule of six, which includes children. When people are not seated, for example, when they’re being shown to a table or going to the toilet, customers must wear face masks, follow one-way systems and observe social distancing. Happily there will be no 10pm curfew! So you can drink until the pub closes.

At The Star Chris and Lynn have transformed their outside area, with new seating, a covered area and a new outside bar. Provided the weather isn’t too horrid, they will be reopening at noon on 12 April. There will be no need to book, just turn up and take advantage of the extended seating that can accommodate around 150 people. It will, of course, be table service only and customers will need to wear face masks when visiting the toilets inside the pub.

The outdoor bar at The Star

The filey.co.uk editorial team are planning to be in attendance, although we might end up wearing warm coats and huddling under a brolly, but it’s a price worth paying! See you at 12 on the 12th.

The Star’s Beer Garden