Having been teased with the first hints of spring sunshine, many of us are now counting down the days until we can have a pint in a beer garden.

According to the government's roadmap out of lockdown, Monday is set to be the date that pubs and restaurants can re-open to serve food and drink to customers outside.

But you will not be able to go up to the bar, as table service will be mandatory and all social distancing guidelines will still be in place.

April 12 marks the first in a series of dates that the Government have set out to ease us out of lockdown.

On May 17, indoor hospitality could reopen, while June 21 is when all social distancing restrictions could be lifted.

While these dates are all subject to change, many pubs, bars, and restaurants have started preparing for their April 12 reopening.

From country pubs to town boozers – we’ve compiled a list of 10 Blackburn pubs that will be opening their beer gardens this April.

The Butlers Arms, Pleasington

With an 80-seater terrace, a beer garden and additional seating located next to their bowling green, The Butlers Arms does not lack outdoor space.

Located in Pleasington, the pub is 200 years old and was built as a thank you to John Francis Butler of Pleasington Hall.

The Butlers Arms is not only a multi-award-winning pub, but a certified Carbon Free Dining restaurant – meaning they offset their carbon footprint by planting trees.

The Butlers Arms is accepting reservations now and will it also be open for walk-ins come Monday.

The Butlers Arms, Victoria Rd, Pleasington, Blackburn, BB2 5JH

The Grey Mare, Belthorn

The Gray Mare in Belthorn has the unique selling point of being ‘one of the highest pubs in England’.

Situated around 4 miles south-east of central Blackburn, this traditional country pub sits on the moors and overlooks much of Lancashire.

They are now taking bookings over the phone for their sheltered outdoor area – meaning that whatever the weather you can enjoy a drink and some food.

The Grey Mare will re-open on Monday.

The Grey Mare, Elton Road, Belthorn, Blackburn, BB1 2PG

Lord Nelson, Langho

Located about five miles north of central Blackburn, the Lord Nelson is a ‘cosy country pub’ in the village of Langho.

Offering a range of beers, wines and spirits, the pub is also set to serve home cooked food at weekends once it reopens.

With a large beer garden that includes an undercover heated area as well as an outside TV – the Lord Nelson is well equipped for our unpredictable English weather.

From Monday, the Lord Nelson will be open Monday to Thursday from 2pm till 10pm, and noon – 10pm Friday to Sunday.

Lord Nelson, Whalley Old Rd, Langho, Blackburn BB6 8DU

The Clog and Billycock, Pleasington

Originally called the Bay Horse, this country pub was renamed as The Clog and Billycock in 1973 to honour its former landlord - who always wore clogs and a billycock (bowler hat).

The Clog and Billycock will reopen their garden on Monday and are now accepting bookings. They are also keeping a few tables free for walk ins.

The pub has been offering takeout hot drinks plus click and collect afternoon teas – but will no doubt be itching to have people back on the premises.

The Clog & Billycock, Billinge End Road, Pleasington, Blackburn, BB2 6QB

The Farthings

Located in the Roe Lee area, The Farthings pub will be offering outside food and drink come Monday.

The Farthings is not taking advanced bookings, opting instead for a first come, first served system.

The pub will be running a temporary food menu when it reopens, the details of which are set to be announced soon.

Keep your eyes on their Facebook page for all the details.

The Farthings, Rosewood Ave, Roe Lee, Blackburn BB1 9SZ

The Royal Oak

Describing itself as a ‘country style pub’, The Royal Oak is in the Pleckgate area of Blackburn.

The pub is now accepting bookings ahead of its reopening at midday on Monday.

However, you’ll have to wait a little longer if you want food, as The Royal Oak’s kitchen will not reopen until May 17th .

The pub is offering a variety of outdoor seating with ‘canopy, marquee and pavement tables’ available.

The Royal Oak, 2 Oak Avenue, Blackburn, BB1 8QD

The Black Bull

Situated between Blackburn and Darwen, The Black Bull is an independent real ale pub.

The pub has an onsite micro-brewery called Three B's Brewery which brews an exclusive ‘Black Bull Bitter’ for the pub.

In addition to a wide selection of beer, cider, and spirits, the pub serves up to eight real ales brewed by Three B's Brewery.

The Black Bull is set to open its beer garden and marque area on Friday 16th April. They are only accepting reservations - so book in advance to avoid disappointment!

Three B’s Brewery/The Black Bull, Brokenstone Rd, Darwen, Lancashire BB3 0LL

The Intack Inn

Describing itself as a ‘friendly local pub’, The Intack Inn will be opening their beer garden on a trial basis in April.

The pub will be open on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 2pm to 7pm.

The Intack Inn will not be accepting reservations and the new opening times will be weather dependent.

Be sure to check their Facebook page for more information.

The Intack Inn, 361 Accrington Rd, Blackburn BB1 2AL

The Roebuck

The Roebuck is a classic local pub located on Rishton High Street.

In preparation for reopening their beer garden on Monday, The Roebuck have stocked a variety of new drinks and spirits – which they are premiering over on their Facebook page.

The Roebuck, High Street, Rishton Blackburn, BB1 4JZ

The Drummers Arms

Opening in 2016 as Blackburn's first micropub, The Drummers Arms is located in the heart of the town centre.

The pub is looking to reopen this spring with a small amount of outdoor seating in front of the building.

The Drummers Arms usually offers a variety of locally brewed real ale and cider in addition to wine, beers and spirits.

But, according to their Facebook page, the pub may have to revert to bottled ales while coronavirus restrictions remain in place to reduce waste.

Reopening plans remain fluid for The Drummers Arms, but they regularly update their Facebook page with information.

The Drummers Arms, 65 King William St, Ewood, Blackburn BB1 7DT