Four Leeds pubs receive beer garden makeovers ready to welcome returning customers

As part of the company’s ongoing Covid secure measures, Marston’s and its pub teams have been preparing to welcome guests back.

Forming part of a wider national initiative by the company and with an understanding that one size doesn’t fit all, each garden and terrace has "undergone a bespoke design plan that carefully considered how the space will be used and most importantly what customers will be looking for from their experience", the company said.

Whilst designs will vary from site to site, all outdoor areas will benefit from updated heating and lighting systems alongside bigger structures.

New jumbo umbrellas, teepees and marquees have also been installed.

One of the sites which has had a revamp of their outdoor space is the Lost & Found Greek St in Leeds.

Samuel Dean, Manager of the Lost & Found Greek St, said: “We have missed so many things over the past year, but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel and we can’t wait to see people visit us again.

"We have new additions to our outdoor area and the garden has had a full refresh to make sure guests can enjoy our space.”

The other three pubs on the list for revamps are Buffers in Scholes, Old Hall in Farsley and Falconers Rest in Middleton.

All work is set to be complete by the end of April, Marston's said.

The focus on these newly re-purposed spaces has been in development since last year following the success and demand for outdoor areas during the summer period.

The announcement of Marston’s initiative follows Boris Johnson’s lockdown roadmap of easing restrictions, which allows pubs to serve outdoors from April 12.

Alongside these new spaces, Marston’s has introduced an online ordering system, Marston’s Tap, for both food and drinks which guests can use during their visit as well as for takeaway services.

The online platform is available across the majority of Marston’s pubs for guests to use and a full rollout is underway following its success last year.

Customers will also have access to toilets and baby changing facilities when on site.

Ralph Findlay , CEO of Marston’s, added: “We can’t wait to reopen, it has been a difficult year for everyone and we are delighted that we will be able to reopen some of our pub gardens from the 12th April (government guidance permitting) and once again hear the laughs and chatter that only a pub community brings.

"Our teams are raring to go and excited to welcome guests back, albeit just in outdoor areas for now. We have created new outdoor spaces with a number of new external dining areas to welcome back friends and families.”