PUB giant Wetherspoons has confirmed plans to reopen almost 400 of its sites next month, including its two branches in Redditch.

As part of stage two of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, pubs and restaurants can reopen for outdoor services on Monday April 12, but customers must stick to social distancing and mixing rules.

Wetherspoon shut its pubs as a result of the third lockdown in January, but is preparing to reopen the doors of its venues in just over a month's time.

Tim Martin, the group's chief executive, made the big announcement on Thursday (March 4).

The company will open beer gardens, rooftop gardens and patios at 394 of its pubs in England when the lockdown continues to ease from April 12.

Bewdley pub, the George Hotel, the Rising Sun and the Royal Enfield in Redditch, plus Bromsgrove's Golden Cross Hotel are on the list.

The pubs will be open from 9am to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, although some will have restrictions on closing times.

They will offer a slightly reduced menu and customers will be able to order and pay through the app, however staff will also be able to take orders at the table.

The pubs will not be operating a booking system.

Customers will be able to use the toilets.