The best apps for booking tables at pubs, bars and restaurants as lockdown restrictions ease more today
PUBS, bars and restaurants can now welcome customers back indoors today.
Customers have been braving the elements for over a month now, booking tables outdoors to sip pints and grab a bite to eat.
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But they can finally be able to use indoor seating from today, as we move into the next stage of the roadmap out of lockdown.
Even though indoor dining is back on the menu, we still have to follow lots of rules to reduce the risk of coronavirus.
For instance, table service and social distancing measures are among the rules that still remain in place.
Customers must also follow the rule of six indoors, meaning six individuals or two households can share a table.
But the hated 10pm curfew has been scrapped and drinkers don't have to order a substantial meal with their alcohol, putting an end to the Scotch egg debate.
How To Find Out When The Pubs Reopen
Here's what to do to keep you in the loop:
- Turn on breaking news alerts on your phone to see the headlines
- Download The Sun app to get the latest daily updates as we report them
- Sign up for newsletters or emails from your favourite chains
- Check and follow their social media accounts
- Sign up to The Sun's newsletter to get the latest news sent straight to your inbox every day
To avoid missing out on a table, many businesses are asking customers to pre-book.
You may also be asked to order and pay using an app to help with table service.
Here are the apps you’ll need to have on hand to enjoy eating and drinking out again.
Orderpay
The is a great one to have to see what's open and serving in your area.
It tells you which bars and restaurants near you are open, and you can use it to order takeaway items, book tables and pay for your meal.
The app tells you what type of service is available at each restaurant, the opening hours and booking availability of the venue you've selected.
Greene King
Greene King has asked customers to downloads its free app before turning up.
The app allows you to view the menu, order food and drink, and pay for your bill, with all drinks and meals served directly to your table.
Slug and Lettuce
allows you to book tables, order food and drink and search for nearby venues.
Harvester
The owners of Harvester Mitchell & Butlers, which owns other big chains including O'Neill's, Toby Carvery, and All Bar One, has reopened hundreds of branches for indoor dining.
Having the Harvester app means you can place and pay for your orders and book a table as soon as possible.
Nicholson's Pubs
Nicholson's is operating a table service to maintain social distancing as it reopens.
While the Nicholson's app doesn't let you order drinks to your table, it does allow you to reserve a seat in your local, which could prove invaluable.
Vintage Inns
app gives you discounts on food and drink as well as an easy way to make your order.
You can also book a table and view the menu ahead of time.
Swifty App
The app powered by Heineken, is free for all consumers and allows you to book in advance, view menus, and order & pay from your table.
It works with a variety of venues and lets you get discounts and build up loyalty points.
Wetherspoons
Wetherspoons will be reopening hundreds of pubs today as lockdown restrictions ease further, and is encouraging customers to use its app.
'Spoons customers can pay through the free app, although staff members will still be on hand to take orders and payment at the table.
Punters can order drinks and food although the chain is running a reduced menu while some restrictions remain in place.
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Find out more about the restrictions lifting for pubs and restaurants in the UK.
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Scotland has got other plans when it comes to reopening.
See which Bryon restaurants are opening with their own beer bars.