PUBS right across the Bradford district are gearing up to reopen next month, but this time round there is a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

The Government's roadmap out of the third national lockdown stipulates that outdoor hospitality venues can welcome customers again on April 12, at the very earliest.

These rules allow a pub to be open, but punters can only be served outside.

Drinking holes in and around the city have had it worst than most, with a local lockdown imposed and the goalposts continually changed throughout the second half of last year.

For many, next month's key date - if the roadmap is not altered - cannot come soon enough.

Peter Down, acting chair for the Bradford Branch of CAMRA, said: "The pubs I have spoken to are looking forward to reopening again.

"They've missed being open and missed their customers.

"To be honest, they are also a little bit wary and concerned because they have had a huge financial hit over the last year.

"Obviously they need to try hit the ground running to be able to make the pub viable again and help recover the losses they've incurred."

A rule introduced at the back-end of 2020 was that customers could only be served alcohol, if they bought a "substantial meal" and there was a "curfew" at 10pm - when pubs had to close.

Both caused much controversy and have been scrapped at all stages of the current roadmap.

Pubs and hospitality venues will not be able to serve indoors until at least May 17, meaning space is going to be limited.

Some already began adapting their offering, when pubs were forced shut in winter last year and this has left them well prepared for a staggered reopening.

The Moody Cow, in Apperley Lane, for example has been in the process of building a wooden shelter outside its premises for the last few months.

Those lucky enough to have outside spaces are having to figure out methods of matching demand and logistics.

Many are offering bookings and spots are being filled rapidly.

One person - who did not wish to be named - tried to book in at The Station pub, in Guiseley, and discovered there were no more dates available.

Bev Clarkson, landlady of The Alexandra pub in Idle, is looking forward to welcoming punters back and showing off the freshly pointed and cleaned brickwork - work that is underway now.

But she has opted against a booking system.

Mrs Clarkson said said: "I found that last time we tried that, there were too many people that didn’t show up, so it will be first-come, first-served.

"Obviously it's outside only so the tables will still be socially-distanced, unless the government guidelines say otherwise, we will also be providing umbrellas and blankets in case anyone gets a bit chilly."

Mrs Clarkson was hopeful that July 4, 2020, would become a historic moment in British history last year - much like American Independence Day.

Pubs did reopen, but given the hindsight of what followed, the landlady is remaining cautious this time around.

She said: "Whilst we approached the 4th with enthusiasm and optimism, a lot has happened since and with uncertainty still in the air - what if infection rates spike again with schools returning - we are in a more cautiously optimistic frame of mind.

"We are looking forward to seeing our regulars and have had a lot of positive feedback that they are eager to come back and are a bit ‘fed up’ with the ongoing situation.

"Clearly we are a little disappointed they have not perhaps considered indoor from the 12th with tight measures, but we will make the most of things."