When can pubs and restaurants open indoors in England?

12 April 2021, 13:43

Pubs and restaurants have been allowed to open outdoors in England on April12th
Pubs and restaurants have been allowed to open outdoors in England on April12th. Picture: PA

By Zoe Adams

Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality facilities have opened their outdoor areas to the public following the coronavirus lockdown - but when can we drink and eat indoors again? And what will the rules be?

Coronavirus restrictions on 12th April have eased up once more following the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops have all been able to return to business today with a few strict rules in place, including all drinks and food having to be served outside while following the rule of six.

But with cold temperatures forecast, and the public keen to get back to normal, the question is, when can pubs and restaurants open indoors again in England?

Related article: Can we now travel to Wales under the latest lockdown rules?

Related article: What coronavirus lockdown rules are lifting on 17th May?

Here’s the latest on when you can resume eating and drinking indoors in England and what the rules are likely to be following the coronavirus lockdown:

Restaurants are also allowed to serve food and drink outside under the new restrictions
Restaurants are also allowed to serve food and drink outside under the new restrictions. Picture: PA

When can pubs and restaurants open indoors in England?

Keen to eat and drink indoors again? Doors to pubs and restaurants should be able to open as normal from the 17th May along with other lockdown restrictions easing.

This, like with all the steps out of the Covid lockdown, is determined by how successful the government’s four tests are passed like the coronavirus rates and the vaccine rollout.

Currently, you can enjoy hospitality services in an outdoor setting following the rule of six. There are no curfews on pubs or rules such as ordering a substantial meal.

Reopening of pubs and restaurants are different for those in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Pubs and restaurants should be able to open business inside from 17th May
Pubs and restaurants should be able to open business inside from 17th May. Picture: PA

Will we need vaccine passes to go to the pub?

What rules will be in place when pubs and restaurants open indoors?

Each venue is likely to have their own Covid rules of operation including hand sanitiser, mask wearing and how to order food and drinks.

You will be permitted to dine in groups of six, or two households, as social distancing measures will remain in place.

There are also currently discussions around needing vaccine passports for pubs which have yet to be confirmed.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The US has launched large strikes in Yemen as Donald Trump promised "overwhelming lethal force" until the Houthis cease attacks on shipping.

US launches strikes on Yemen as Trump promises 'overwhelming lethal force' against Houthis

Rich people are getting married at a way higher rate than those with lower incomes as the ‘marriage gap’ between rich and poor hits a record 51%.

'Only rich people are getting married', new research suggests, as ‘marriage gap’ widens

"I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me," Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, posted on social media.

American influencer apologises after being threatened with deportation for snatching baby wombat from mum

The Forum Chinese Restaurant

Chinese restaurant chef uses CCTV to prove 'nonsense' reviews wrong

Soccer - International Friendly - Venezuela v Nigeria

England star John Fashanu arrested over 'five crimes' as he sues police for £100,000 compensation

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, right, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore. (NASA via AP)

'Stranded' NASA astronauts set to return from nine month space mission - but what health issues could they face?

Exclusive
Jordan Stephens, Rizzle Kicks star.

Rizzle Kicks star says children 'rely' on online communities for connection as he says 'boredom' to blame for rising crime

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room after hosting virtual meeting with international leaders to discuss support for Ukraine.

Military chiefs to meet in UK next week - as Starmer confirms Ukraine peace effort ‘moving into operational phase’

Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast in England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Dan Kitwood/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian captain of Solong container ship remanded in custody following crash with US oil tanker

BRITAIN-UKRAINE-DIPLOMACY-POLITICS-DEFENCE

'Coalition of the willing': Starmer hosts Ukraine peace summit as PM urges Putin to 'come to the negotiating table'

Joanne Penney, 40.

Five charged and one arrested after fatal shooting of 'deeply loved' mother

Ozdemir Zia hit Edna McLean as he turned his double-decker near Woolwich Arsenal station, London.

Bus driver avoids jail after killing 83-year-old pensioner in 'momentary error'

Front facade of a pretty country cottage, Netherbury, Dorset, UK - John Gollop

Met Police suggest planting roses in your garden could deter would-be burglars

March 11, 2025, London, England, UK: Actor, director and writer NOEL CLARKE arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice for his libel case against The Guardian over articles on sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Actress said to have been groped by actor Noel Clarke tells court 'it is a lie'

Melbourne, Australia. 15th Mar, 2025. Lando Norris of McLaren celebrates taking pole position during Qualifying at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Lando Norris takes pole in Australia GP qualifying - as Lewis Hamilton trails in eighth on Ferrari debut

Merritt Island, Florida, USA. 14th Mar, 2025. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 astronauts lifts off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Mar. 14.

SpaceX rocket finally launches to bring two stranded NASA astronauts back to earth after nine months