Table service, masks and one way systems - everything you need to know about returning to the pub indoors from May 17

The Government’s roadmap out of lockdown is on track meaning that restrictions are set to be lifted further on May 17, enabling people to enjoy indoor hospitality once again.

It comes as Government data shows that infection rates are at their lowest level since September.

Meanwhile hospital admissions and patients in hospital continue to decrease - with levels now similar to July last year.

From May 17 those looking forward to meeting up with loved ones will now be able to gather in groups of up to 30 people outdoors, while a maximum of six people or two households will be able to meet indoors.

Now, more than a year into the pandemic, we’re all familiar with wearing masks and know the importance of washing and sanitising our hands.

But what does the latest easing of the lockdown mean for returning to the pub?

We asked Kath Brain, the landlady of The Steamboat in Mill Dam, South Shields, what safety measures will be in place when the doors are finally open to punters.

Kath said: "Restrictions will be pretty much the same as last year but it will be a little bit easier now we can have tables of six.

"It will be table service and if you stand up to go to the toilet you will have to put your mask on and obviously [people will] still be socially distancing as well.

"But it is only for a month and then all of the restrictions should end hopefully!”

The Government says that four weeks is needed to fully understand the impact of each step in the plan to ease restrictions.

Should things go according to this plan, then on June 21 all Covid-19 restrictions in England will be lifted – but this step will be set out by the Government at the end of May.

However, it comes amid concerns over the new Indian variant, with warning of a need for caution, and some experts calling for lifting restrictions to be slowed down.

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