One feature of many of our lives that has been strangely absent in the last year is the humble British pub.

Memories of relaxing in a sunny garden with a refreshing drink in hand, or sheltering from the cold with something a bit stronger, come to mind. But throughout much of 2020 and 2021, they haven’t been able to be there for us.

But following the government’s lockdown roadmap being announced, pubs will be able to reopen outdoors from April 12, with indoor seating from May 17.

Ahead of the reopening, here’s 10 pubs in and around Andover where you will be able to sit outdoors:

Queen Charlotte Inn

The Queen Charlotte will reopen in April following work in its garden ahead of the reopening.

The pub plans a limited reopening on April 12 between 5pm and 7pm, with a full reopening following for the rest of the week.

White Horse, Thruxton

The White Horse is planning to reopen on April 12, having hosted a few markets throughout lockdown.

The pub is getting ready to reopen having recruited for new staff to be ready for customers on the big day.

John Russell Fox

Andover's Wetherspoons branch, the John Russell Fox, is among 394 of the chain's venues that will reopen when lockdown rules ease on April 12.

It will offer a slightly reduced menu, with food available from 9am to 8pm seven days a week.

Customers will be able to order and pay through the Wetherspoon app, and staff will be able to take orders and payment at the table.

The pubs will not be operating a booking system.

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our customers and staff back to our pubs.”

Royal Oak Charlton

Owned by Greene King, the Royal Oak is one of 442 of the company’s pubs to be reopening across the country. It will be reopening on April 12.

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."

Cricketers Inn, Longparish

The Cricketers will be opening from April 12, having erected marquees in the garden. Customers will be able to use the toilet at the pub.

The team said that demand for bookings is high, so customers should get in touch at thecricketerslongparish@gmail.com or ring 01264 720424 to secure a space.

“We can't wait to welcome you all back!” they said.

The Oak, Smannell

The Oak will be opening on April 12 at 4pm, with a new food menu set to be announced.

Takeaways will continue as normal, while those visiting the site will be able to sit in the pub garden.

In a statement, the pub said: “Sue and Andy would like to thank everybody for their support throughout these unpredictable times, and look forward to welcoming you back.”

George Inn, St Mary Bourne

The George Inn will be reopening on April 12 for drinks and food outdoors.

The pub is not taking reservations at this point for tables, with customers invited to come on a first-come first-serve basis.

Social distancing measures will be in place, with full table service and only card payments accepted.

George and Dragon, Hurstbourne Tarrant

The George and Dragon will reopen on April 14 following the restrictions being relaxed. The pub’s courtyards and outside kitchen will be open to guests, and it will be open Wednesday to Sunday.

The pub advises booking in advance to grab a table at the pub.

Plough Inn, Grateley

The Plough Inn is opening on April 12 to outside customers, though its opening will be weather dependant.

They said: “I know you've missed us but having a drink or dinner outside whilst we're having April showers might be a little funny to watch but realistically not a good idea. We do have a few tables undercover but those pre-booking to eat will have priority, so their planned get together can go ahead regardless of weather conditions.

“Hopefully all these restrictions will be gone just 10 weeks after opening, leaving each of us to decide what is right for them.”

Booking ahead is recommended.

Abbots Mitre, Chilbolton

The Abbots Mitre is reopening on April 16, with customers to sit in the garden.

The pub said: “We are very much looking forward to getting back to normality and welcoming everyone back.

“We are happy to take bookings outside for groups of up to six people or two households and we will be running our garden menu which will include many of your favourites.”

To book a table, email admin@abbotsmitre.co.uk