When are pubs in Leighton-Linslade and the surrounding area reopening?

Today (April 12) marks the easing of Covid-19 restrictions as the government is allowing pubs to reopen for service outdoors.

LBO land pubs can't wait to welcome their regulars back, so we've compiled a list of establishments that are raring to go today or opening in the near future!

REOPENING IN APRIL

The Anchor, Tilsworth - April 12

The pub's Facebook page states: "We would like to Welcome you back to your pub. Monday 12th April The Anchor Pub is opening! Outdoor seating/service Only. Welcome to our new layout garden tables. Large Playground Open. Domes (pods) will be available from 17th of May onwards. Bookings app will launch soon. Food Delivery/Collection Service will still be available. Welcome back and enjoy your favourite Pub. We look forward to see you all. The Anchor Pub Team."

The Axe and Compass, Heath and Reach - April 12

The pub's Facebook page states: "We will be Back April 12th......we are adding extra covered seating areas to our Garden but booking is still advised....Pre-bookings can be made from April 1st."

The Black Lion, Leighton Buzzard - April 28

Landlady of the Black Lion, Nikki Brodin, told the LBO: "Thank you to our customers for all their support - all the messages, all the phone calls. They have been brilliant. They have been making sure we're alright; but that's Leighton Buzzard for you. There's definitely community spirit out there, that's for sure. It's made a massive difference, otherwise we would feel quite isolated.

"Our staff are so excited - they can't wait to get back! They miss the normality.

"I'm hoping that we can run our festivals next year - for example, the annual dark beer festival in February."

Keeping positive for the future, Nikki added: "Just keep smiling and laughing!"

The Black Lion opening date is Wednesday, April 28. (No table booking).

The Dukes, Heath and Reach - April 12

The Dukes at Heath and Reach will be formally re-opening in stages alongside national restrictions over the next few weeks, starting this coming Monday, April 12, with accommodation and outside spaces open.

Owner Sarah Smith said: "My team and I are massively excited to be re-opening. A lot of behind the scenes work has been going on over the lockdown to make absolutely sure the Dukes reopening is a great success.

"The building, which dates back to 1735, has been completely re-thatched and will provide a very cosy atmosphere when everything finally re-opens. My team have built a new fully enclosed outside 'pod' that can seat six for dinner (and eight when the rules change later in the year).

"Outside diners can choose from a full or alfresco picnic menu and will be seated in eight storm-proofed gazebo’s - of course Covid-19 restrictions will be fully adhered to at all times.

Diners are advised to book ahead using the Dukes app or online on their website at https://www.thedukes.uk.com/ to avoid disappointment.

The Dukes will be open seven days a week, though evening only from 5pm -10pm from April 12. Sunday lunch will be available with opening hours 10am -3pm. Breakfast will be served for those staying at The Dukes . Full details of how to book can be found on the website or on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thedukeslb/The Five Bells, Stanbridge - April 12

The pub's Facebook page states: "Karen and the team can’t wait to welcome you back, our garden will be open on 12th April, and we are looking forward to seeing you."

The Globe Inn, Leighton Buzzard - April 12

A spokesman from The Greene King press office confirmed that The Globe Inn will be opening its doors on April 12.

The Golden Bell, Leighton Buzzard - April 12

Posting on their Facebook page, the pub has announced: "We are very pleased to announce that we will be re-opening our garden area from 12th April. Whilst it is still possible to come into the main pub and use the toilets, it will not be permitted to sit inside or order drinks from the bar. We will therefore be operating table service only. There is shelter, in case of rain, but we recommend all customers dress in warm clothing suitable for outdoors.

"We will not be taking any bookings for the time being - as we had many no-shows last time around. So to keep it fair, it will be first come first served!

"We are still awaiting full details of what the restrictions will be, but rest assured we will be putting the safety of all our staff and customers first. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Golden Bell!"​​

The Grove Lock, Leighton Buzzard - April 12

The pub's Facebook page states: "Just a few days left until good cheer, beers & our pub garden is once again open on April 12th. Hooray!

We’re continuing to take bookings for the decking & canalside tables throughout the week. Food served all day 12-9. Walk-ins welcome as always....

By law we have to ask you to check in via the NHS app or take contact details of EVERY member in the group. If you don’t want to leave them unfortunately we can’t admit you. It’s not our rule but we do have to do our bit and follow it! Take care & we hope to see you all very soon."

The Heath Inn, Heath and Reach - April 14

Owner Tracey Balen, said: "It has been a very long, tough winter and year for all of our industry but we are so looking forward to welcoming back all of our regulars and customers new and old.

"We have used this time to ensure that our facilities can cater and abide by the government rulings to make sure that all of our customers can enjoy a safe and happy experience whether, eating, drinking or staying with us. We are looking at opening initially on Wednesday 14th April, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week until 17th May when we will go back to seven day openings."

The Old Swan, Cheddington - April 16

The pub has announced on Facebook that it will be back open from April 16 with revised hours until May. Open Friday 4pm -10pm, Saturday 12pm -10pm, Sunday 12pm - 6pm.

The Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard - April 12

Sandra Cain told the LBO: "I took over The Red Lion in September and it started coming and going into lockdowns. Myself and The Red Lion team have taken the opportunity through lockdown to give the pub the much wanted love it’s needed. We’ve refurbished the whole pub removing the dated carpets and we gave the pub a breath of fresh air, whilst keeping the old fashion look.

"The garden has been the biggest hurdle. The garden previously was very small and not used to it's full potential. We’ve installed new trendy shelters with heaters, allowing us to seat 70 with social distancing. We’ve been very excited awaiting our reopening to see the pub in full swing, and our customers enjoy the new lease of life we’ve brought to it."

The Ship Inn, Linslade - April 12

The pub's Facebook page states: "We can’t wait to welcome you back on Monday [April 12], it’s been too long.

"We hope the British sun stays out for you to enjoy your delicious food and refreshing drinks in the sun, but don’t worry If not we have renovated our outdoor areas to ensure you will be warm and protected from the rain!

"All you have to worry about is booking your table and what amazing dish to order for your first meal out in months..."

Stonegate: The Lancer, The Picture House, The Sun and The Top Bell, Leighton Buzzard - April 12

A Stonegate spokeswoman, said: "The Picture House, The Top Bell, The Lancer and The Sun have ensured they comply with the new COVID-19 Secure Workplace Guidance for Pubs and Restaurants, introducing measures to protect staff and customers and ensuring the smooth running of operations.

"The Leighton Buzzard pubs have installed external signage clearly setting out the safety measures in place. Customers will be greeted with a warm welcome from both managers and teams, and robust COVID-secure measures will be in place including clear social distancing measures, enhanced cleaning regimes and adhering to NHS Test and Trace guidelines; full table service with contactless payments available, customers can also order food and drinks via an app. There will be dedicated smoking areas, away from those customers wishing to dine.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people back through our doors on 12th April. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our teams and customers, whilst ensuring everyone is able to enjoy and make the most out of their long-awaited visit to our venue.”

Tables can be booked by calling the Stonegate central booking team on 03300 949251 or via each pub’s website which can be found by searching here: www.stonegategroup.co.uk/find-your-localThe Swan, Stewkley - April 28

The pub's Facebook page states: "The countdown is on to pull that first pint. Who else is looking forward to enjoying a meal out when we open April 28th? Whether you’re with your household or with your friends book a table outside now to avoid disappointment. Link in our bio or get in touch [email protected]"

The Three Horseshoes, Cheddington - April 14

"Opening 14th April. We have more tables on our newly extended and covered patio. They'll be lovely and dry whatever the weather and we'll have heaters, too. The garden and play equipment will be open from 3pm - 8pm but do dress for the British weather."

Three Locks, Stoke Hammond - April 12

The pub's website states: "We are open on Monday [April 12]. We have tables available outside and undercover, and we can’t wait to see you!!"

The White Horse, Linslade - April 12

The White Horse, New Road, is open as of today (April 12).

Owner Roger Partridge told the LBO: "The garden will be open for outside service. It will be good to get back working again and by just opening up the garden, me and my partner will be able to get back into the swing of things.

"If anything, the last few weeks have been a mad rush to get up and running again. We've done the garden and hopefully the weather will be kind to us!"

REOPENING IN MAY

The Cock Inn, Wing - May 17

The pub's Facebook page states: "It is with great pleasure to finally be reopening our doors. Myself and my Team can't wait to welcome you all back. We have missed you all so much. We will see you on Monday 17th May. Alan & The Team."

The Crooked Crow Bar, Leighton Buzzard - May 17

Maxine Bambrook, of The Crooked Crow Bar, said: "The Crooked Crow Bar is an Independent Events Bar and is reopening on 17th May. As well as opening as a work from home space and running our new, in-house Escape Room, we have a jam-packed schedule of events from live music, movie nights, quizzes, theatre, to stand up comedy and more.

"Having only opened back in January 2020, this has been a completely unexpected and challenging first year for us. But despite all of the hurdles, we were lucky enough to be one of the very few events venues that were able to trade through a lot of the restrictions. We had fantastic acts/bands perform and now have many more lined up to play. We are restricted to hosting seated/socially distanced gigs until 21st June, however these have proved so successful, we are going to continue them on even once all restrictions have lifted!

"Our Cafe Vibes events will be seated so that groups of friends can enjoy a sharing cheeseboard and a bottle of wine or a few cocktails with the best live music on the circuit! We have also teamed up with Gazza Records to host a night of neo-blues and soul once a month, and seeing some of the phenomenal talent that is lined up, we absolutely can't wait! That's not to say that we aren't excited to be able to get back to full capacity standing gigs on a Friday/Saturday night. As well as having a monthly event dedicated to showcasing the freshest, raw-energy new bands on the scene, we have booked some fantastic tribute, ska, rock, indie and party bands that will be sure to give our professional lighting rig and sound system a proper run for its money!

"We launched our monthly Castle Comedy Night last autumn and have had top named comedians, such as Ian Stone, Ninia Benjamin, Paul McCaffrey, ans Steve N Allen perform. Live at The Apollo/Mock The Week & BBC Radio 4 regular, Nathan Caton, is amongst the lineup for May's show! We will be continuing are our monthly Hip Hop Lounge, (featuring open mic slots, guest live performances and hip hop DJs), our Sunday Vibes 12pm -4pm, for chilled acoustic music, monthly northern soul/ska DJ set, and our bonkers monthly quiz and Blockbuster movie night. But we have loads more in the pipeline from drag shows, immersive theatre to rum tasting! For all details of events, visit our website: www.crookedcrowbar.com ."

The Stag, Leighton Buzzard - May

The pub's website currently states: "CLOSED Not Opening Till MAY"

The LBO has also contacted a number of other pubs about the good news and we are waiting to hear back.