Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Here we list some great places throughout the South West to eat and drink in the great outdoors from April 12 ...
The Swan Inn, Winscombe, North Somerset
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The 17th-century Grade II-listed pub and inn is located in Rowberrow on the edge of the Mendip Hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
It has a large beer garden with plenty of seating and a new purposebuilt covered and heated pergola – perfect for those long-awaited catch ups with friends and family.
Tables are available for up to six guests and bookings need to be made online through the website.
■ Pier Master’s House, Plymouth Fancy new restaurant the Pier Master’s House, on Plymouth’s waterfront, is set to reopen. The venue, which underwent a stunning transformation by architectural designer Alec Macleod in summer 2020, will reopen on Monday, April 12.
Staff said: “In line with the government roadmap we will be reopening on April 12. Weather permitting our outside pier will be open once more.
“A few improvements have been made since we last saw you. We have some new plant friends and snazzy new umbrellas.
“Our online booking system is live, we recommend booking where possible as we envision being very busy.
“There will still be tables reserved for walk-ins, please be advised these will be on a first-come, first-served basis.”
■ The George & Dragon, Rowde, Wiltshire
Once a 16th-century coaching inn, The George & Dragon is located in the historic village of Rowde, near Devizes.
The pub and restaurant will be opening its doors again on Monday, April 12, offering drinks and outside dining in its terrace and garden.
The venue, which is run by Christopher ‘Chippy’ Day and chef Tom Bryant, specialises in sea food dishes, which are delivered daily from St Mawes in Cornwall. It also has an extensive world wine list including organic vintages.
The garden has a wood-burning
stove and blankets will be available for chillier days.
The Ostrich, Bristol
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Perched on Bristol’s bustling harbourside, The Ostrich underwent extensive renovations last year including making a number of alfresco improvements.
The pub has outside tables (available on a first-come-first served basis) deck chairs, heated tipis and covered areas.
Mike Roscoe, general manager, said: “We’re itching to show off our harbourside garden. The Ostrich really does come alive when it’s full of happy punters so we’ve been incredibly busy creating lots of spaces for them to gather safely. The outside space is looking incredible.”
It does not take advanced bookings.
■ The Old Thatch, Wimborne, Dorset
The 17th-century country pub, in the heart of Dorset, is reopening for outdoor dining on Monday, serving a wide selection of local ales and classic pub dishes.
Last month, the Bournemouth Echo reported that landlord Nick Pestana, who has been at the helm since 2018, and award-winning restaurateur Andy Lennox, are planning to go into partnership to transform the venue into a gastro pub and kitchen with a country store.
It will reportedly sell fresh bread and cakes, local meat, eggs and dairy products, and household essentials.
The pub is taking online and phone bookings ahead of reopening.
■ The Exmouth Arms, Cheltenham
Located on Bath Road, The Exmouth Arms is set to open on Monday from 10am. The pub was popular with