Greene King to reopen 442 pub gardens from April 12 – see the full list

Drinkers will only be able to meet in groups of six or two households, according to government regulations.

Greene King Pub Partners tenants, who make up a further 875 pubs across England, will also be separately deciding on an individual basis whether to reopen their outdoor areas.

Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, said: "It’s great that we can finally open outdoor areas in some of our pubs after such a long period of lockdown and we can’t wait to start welcoming our customers back, safely. 

"Sadly, we can only open around a third of our estate in April where we have outdoor space that will work and have a chance of being viable, but we know the vital role pubs play in communities and feel it’s important to open as many as we can to help people get back together once again."

He said he was looking forward to May 17 when six people or two households will be able to meet indoors as well as June 21 when all restrictions are due to be lifted.

Mr Mackenzie added: "Until then, we all have our fingers crossed for sunshine and warm temperatures in April."

Wetherspoons has also said it will open almost 400 in pubs England in April when lockdown restrictions ease.

Punters will have to follow a strict set of rules when pubs and restaurants do open again.

Even for outdoor bookings, boozers must only offer table service and social distancing will still need to be observed.

In better news, the hated 10pm curfew will be scrapped and drinkers won't have to order a substantial meal with their alcohol, putting an end to the Scotch egg debate.

Check the reopening plans from some of the main pub groups.