PUB staff feel like they have "waited a lifetime" to reopen and cant wait to welcome customers inside, as more lockdown restrictions are lifted next week.

Pubs in and around Berkshire have shared their excitement as they look forward to reopening for inside dining from Monday. 

The Prime Minister confirmed on Monday that from May 17, venues will be allowed to welcome guests inside in group of up to six - meaning diners will no longer have to sit out in the cold.  

Many restaurants and bars across the town have been able to reopen since April 12, if they have had outside seating. 

However, a number of venues have remained closed through the third lockdown and will be opening for the first time in months on Monday. 

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The Lyndhurst in Reading

One of those pubs is The Lyndhurst in Reading. 

Pub landlord Sheldon Fernandes said: "It feels like a lifetime and we can't wait to see you all back." 

Across the other side of the borough, The Old Five Bells in Burnham used the months in lockdown to prepare outdoor seating arrangments and are more than excited to welcome their customers back. 

The pub said: "As from Monday the 17th you can sit inside and enjoy the pub!

"Thank you to all our guests that been ever so supportive in the last weeks."

Across the Royal County, pubs/restaurants were hit by a number of lockdowns having to close and say goodbye to their punters.

ALSO READ: Five pubs yet to reopen as we edge closer to May 17

But inside, tables for the Horse and Groom in Twyford, Wokingham are already "filling up" as people are eager to get their hands on their delicious pub grub. 

Tables are laid out socially distanced from each other and the pub has a large open bar area to allow room for punters. The Horse and Groom was already open to guests on April 12 for outdoor only.

The Golden Ball Pub & Kitchen in Maidenhead is another pub that has allowed punters to sop up for a drink outside, but can now finally open indoors again.

Reading Chronicle:

The Golden Ball explained on Facebook: "We'll be open from Wednesday 19th May at 12 midday right through to the weekend and every Wednesday to Sunday after that with tables available to book inside now as well as outside."

At the lovely Lexicon shopping centre in Bracknell, chefs at The Bull have been adventurous and launched a new menu.

During the turbulent weather, the pub has been able to serve coffees to freezing guests and ice-cold pints to the brave. 

Now, you can beat the cold and enjoy your beverage inside.

And another pub that cannot wait to welcome back guests inside is the Bel and The Dragon in Windsor.

It's been a real treat opening up our gardens to welcome you back over the last few weeks, but we're beyond excited to...

Posted by Bel & The Dragon on Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Informing guests on social media, they said: "It's been a real treat opening up our gardens to welcome you back over the last few weeks, but we're beyond excited to fling our doors open and host you inside from 17 May."

Is your favourite restaurant reopening on Monday? Let us know in the comments.