Here's what Swindon's pubs and restaurants are saying on social media ahead of reopening day

Here's what some of them are telling their followers on social media: 

The King and Queen, Highworth

The popular Highworth pub posted a video from the Craft Union Pub Company explaining what will be in place. 

It asked people to respect current government distancing guidelines, use hand sanitisation stations provided and to download the new OrderPay app to help with contactless orders.

In a separate post the pub said: "Social distancing will be in place to keep us all safe and this will mean a change to how pubs work for a time, please understand that our team will be dealing with this situation for the first time.

"Show them some understanding and even word of encouragement. We want to offer you all the best service we can fitting in with new regulations."

The Crown Inn, Stratton

While nothing is yet set in stone at the Crown, the pub did confirm it will reopen on July 4 but with limited hours and a limited menu. 

It said: "We are pleased to confirm we will be opening on Saturday 4th July at 12pm. There is a lot still to confirm and we don’t have all the answers yet but here’s what we know at the moment.

"We will be operating with reduced hours, a reduced menu and reduced staff for the time being but rest assured we can’t wait to welcome you all back and we are going to do everything we can to make our “new normal” as stress-free as possible.

"Here’s what we’ve decided for now. We will be opening and serving food every day from 12pm. Whether you are joining us for a bite to eat or a pint booking is (for the time being) essential - this is to help staff and monitor the amount of people coming in The Crown and keep everyone as safe as we possibly can.

"We will be operating with table service only - sorry guys and gals you’re gonna have to wait a while longer to have a pint at the bar - but with our bookings-only system in place we are hoping we’ll serve you nice and speedy.

"If you would like to book a table please call us on 01793 827530. We would like to thank you all again for your continued support and messages during this difficult time - please bear with us - we are learning.

"And we are not claiming to be experts, health and safety-wise we have it sorted-  all of the necessary risk assessments and training are in place but as for everything else we are doing our best and have no doubt there will be kinks to start with but we love the Crown as much as we hope you all do and have its best interests at heart."

The Manor, Cheney Manor

At The Manor, social distancing will be in place and the pub revealed no darts or pool will be played. 

It said on Facebook: "We are all set to open on Saturday, July 4 at 12 noon.

"We do look forward to seeing you all it’s been a long time, there will be obviously big changes for the time being, so let's begin.

"There will be hand gel on entry, exit and outside of the toilets, please use it, you will be asked to give your name and phone number in case of an outbreak so you can be contacted.

"Table service only, no standing at the bar. Contactless card payment preferred but cash will be accepted.

"The play area will be closed for the time being. At this moment in time we are not encouraging young children into the pub, as we do not think it's fair as they will have to sit at the table and not move about.

"If you do choose to sit outside and the weather turns cold, if there is not enough room inside, you will not be able to come inside, we will be opening our function room up when it is busy.

"No pool or darts to be played at the moment, the volume of the TV will be minimal, as to deter customers from raising their voices. No live music.

"Bar staff will be provided with face shields and gloves if they wish to wear them. Obviously all staff will be encouraged to do regular hand washing.

"Our opening hours will follow, and there is a slight change, Tuesdays we will be closed for now this is to ensure a deep clean of the pub. Please be patient, just use your common sense and good social distancing."

The Queens Tap, Town Centre

Screens and contactless payment will be in use at the Queens Tap, located opposite the train station. 

A statement said: "As opening is imminent, we are putting things in place to make sure we are Covid-secure and following all the government guidance. 

"We are installing screens, hand sanitising stations and 4G contactless payment and ensuring all seating inside and out, complies with social distancing rules."

The Weighbridge Steakhouse and Bar

Not too many details have been announced for The Weighbridge, but bookings have been made available. 

It said: "Good old Boris has Given us the green light to open next Saturday, July 4.

"We would strongly recommend you to book to avoid disappointment and this will also help with our planning of Staffing levels.

"Some of our bookings have filled up quickly but don’t worry we have just opened up a few more this evening and will add some more at the weekend once we review our restaurant plan now the distance has been reduced."

The Bakers Arms, Stratton

This pub will continue with takeaway service thanks to popular demand but is accepting table reservations.

A statement said: “As you are aware pubs are opening on July 4.
“Our takeaway service has been so successful we are going to continue until you stop using it.

“We are also taking table bookings for day and night but these are pre-booked only. No more than 6 people per table due to covid guidelines, first come first allocated.
“At this point, we are not excepting children into the pub.
“Call to book your meals for dining in and your takeaways.”

The Runner, Rushey Platt

Hand sanitiser and mobile ordering will be available at The Runner when it reopens.

It said on Facebook: “Our aim is to keep our customers and staff safe at this time and your visit may take a little longer.

“Hand sanitiser is readily available throughout your visit.

“There is safe socialising layout throughout our pub, minimised contact.

“Both contactless payment and smartphone ordering is available.

“Most of all we want you to safely enjoy your time with us.”

Wheatsheaf Ale House, Old Town

Nothing has been confirmed for the Wheatsheaf, but the pub did give an idea of what could be expected.

It said: “You must bear in mind this is going to be a new pub experience for all of us and you must work with us to keep the guidance up as best as possible and be patient.

“You may be required to book a table, you may have to give your details over and you may not be able to stand at the bar.

“We may have to limit numbers and I'd hope you would understand, if you can't all be in or together at once.

“We've all been waiting for this day to come but we all need to work together and be patient in order for us to rebuild the pub experience.”

The Carpenters Arms, South Marston

Reduced hours and reduced staff will be on the menu at the Carpenters Arms.

A statement said: “There is a lot still to confirm and we don’t have all the answers yet but here’s what we know at the moment.

“We will be operating with reduced hours, a reduced menu and reduced staff for the time being but rest assured we can’t wait to welcome you all back and we are going to do everything we can to make our “new normal” as stress free as possible.

“We will be opening and serving food 12-2.30pm and 6-9pm Monday to Saturday, 12-8pm Sunday’s.

“Whether you are joining us for a bite to eat or a pint, booking is essential - this is to help us staff and monitor the amount of people coming in The Carpenters Arms and keep everyone as safe as we possibly can.

“We will be operating with table service only- sorry you will have to wait a while longer to have a pint at the bar”

Rat Trap, Stratton

The Rat Trap on Highworth Road will be reopening on July 4 with a table-service only system but for drinks only.

It said: “Saturday the 4th of July we are open for drinks only.

“As this will be a mostly table service opening, we are now taking bookings for drinking tables.

“We are restricted to how many people are allowed into the pub so please book early to avoid disappointment.

“We are allocating three-hour slots per table. Our opening times are 12-10pm with the last booking being 8pm.”