Wakefield pubs, bars, hairdressers and shops open today

Pubs have revamped their outdoors areas ahead of the reopening as tables were booked up by punters looking for their first pint or meal out.

At the Ridings Grind, Esquires and The Reel Juice Bar are open for takeaway only. Grind on Kirkgate has exterior seating.

Primark is opening longer 8.30am - 6.30pm, M&S 8.30am - 6pm and Morrison’s 7am - 9pm.

New business The Eggfree Cake Box is opening on the lower mall near Primark.

The new rules mean that customers can dine outside or have drinks without a substantial meal.

The New Union pub on Southgate will open its large outside area..

Landlord Dave Rollinson said: “It can seat about 48 people it is one of the bigger beer gardens

“We have a ‘jumbrella’ with heaters to keep people warm while they’re outside.

“It’s just been depressing having all this space when no one can enjoy themselves and use it

“It’s a big part of people’s mental health to get out socialise. People need to have a few pints a chat and some normality.”

A large outdoor area has been created at the Travellers Inn at Stanley.

Some Ossett Brewery pubs in the district are set to reopen their beer gardens including The Hop in Wakefield city centre at the King’s Arms at Heath Common. The Fox and Hounds at

Newmillerdam and Harry’s Bar in Wakefield are opening new outside spaces.

Former Featherstone Rovers played Craig Booth took over The Houghton pub in Castleford last year.

He had just a few months open for business the summer before lockdown returned.

He has prepared the pub’s beer garden and car park for customers.

The White Hart and Black Horse pubs on Westgate have similar plans in the pipeline.

Further loosening of restrictions is planned for no earlier than May 17. The final stage of the roadmap is earmarked to being June 21.