'I'm not sure how to feel': Northampton pubs and restaurants wary of roadmap out of lockdown

The PM's announcement today on when pubs and restaurants can welcome back customers does not affect everyone in Northampton so favourably.

Businesses and venues were given their first indication today (February 22) of when they can reopen over the next six months.

However, for Northampton's pubs and restaurants, the challenge over the next few months will be planning if they can return at all even as restrictions ease.

Particularly, venues that can serve people outdoors in gardens will have the chance in April - but only if they can make it work

The roadmap for pubs and restaurants indicates that:

■ April 12 at the earliest: A group of up to six people or two different households will be allowed to meet outdoors

- No longer must have a 'substantial meal' with alcohol

- If inside, you are only allowed to be with members of your own household

■ May 17 at the earliest: Pubs and restaurants able to reopen and serve people indoors

- 'Rule of six' to return for indoor sitting

- Up to 30 people can meet outdoors

■ June 21 at the earliest: All restrictions on socialising could be lifted

Liz Cox, landlady of the Old Five Bells pub in Kingsthorpe, said: "I just don't know how to feel. I have mixed emotions really.

"If it all has to be outdoors its going to be a pain. For larger chains that won't be a problem but for independent places like mine we will struggle to cover the staff needed for that.

"Our garden isn't that big though - I'm already thinking about opening up the car park and serving customers there.

"We're still looking forward to opening the restaurant in May. I'm desperate to get out of this lockdown but until every restriction is lifted, for our trade it's going to be harder."

The announcement at the House of Commons today also saw Labour leader Keir Starmer quiz the PM on if business support will continue long enough to see pubs and restaurants out of restrictions completely. Boris Johnson said this would be answered at the budget next week.

The roadmap also means pubs and restaurants will miss out on trade from Easter weekend.

Gary McManus, who operates several Northampton pubs including the Wig & Pen and the Thomas Becket, said: "I welcome getting back to normal. The only downside is the pubs that don't have gardens who won't be able to open until May 17.

"And, we've got to wait for the budget next week to see what support they are going to give for rates and VAT reductions and furlough.

"I would have really liked to open up in April but I think we expected it to be outdoors first."

Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith asked the Prime Minister in Parliament to review again when pubs and restaurants could open up sooner and check if there is "no real risk" beyond opening other hospitality areas.

Mr Johnson said: "People will be prepared to trade some urgency and some haste for more certainty and more reliability."