'Gin garden' and food trucks revealed in sneak preview of Jarrow's Lakeside Inn outdoor reopening plans ahead of April 12

The Lakeside Inn, near Leam Lane, is set to reopen on April 12, in line with the next stage of the Government’s lockdown exit roadmap, allowing outdoor hospitality.

Carl Mowatt, who runs the Lakeside,said the establishment has added a ‘gin garden’ to its outdoor space as well as a lean-to near the Lake House.

Customers will order through an app that will remain in use when the venue returns to in-door service, expected to be in May.

The new-look outdoor space will accommodate around 200 punters in total. Certain areas will be reserved seating only, while other seating sections will operate on a first-come-first-served basis.

“We’re already taking reservations for seating in the Gin Garden,” Mr Mowatt said.

"We want everyone to be safe at the Lakeside, first and foremost. Customers will only be able to come inside to use the toilets and there’ll be safety markings showing people where they can and can’t go.”

Mr Mowatt added that food vans serving Mexican and Greek cuisine will be on site over the coming weeks and that the venue would look to bring back its ‘Jarrow Tapas’ on Sundays in April.

“We’re really excited to finally get up and running,” said Hebburn resident Gav Gates, who will be running the Mexican food truck – which begins service at a Lakeside charity event this evening.

“This will be the first time we’re trying out the service – there’s nothing really like it in South Tyneside, as far as we’re aware, so hopefully it should do really well and tie in nicely with things reopening for the summer.

"The lads preparing the food have 15 years’ experience, we all have a real passion for Mexican food and we’re just looking forward to hearing what people think at this point.”

The Lakeside boss also thanked customers for the ‘loyalty’ he says they have shown throughout the past 12 months.

"As ever, we’re extremely grateful for all the support and the loyalty our customers have shown us in what have been testing times,” Mr Mowatt said.

"We can’t wait to see them all again in person.”

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