IT was the weekend many of us had been waiting for, as outdoor seating of groups of up to six people were permitted at many of our favourite eateries and pubs.

Coronavirus restrictions have seen us spend a lot of time away from friends and loved ones.

So with the easing of restrictions on April 12, some venues opened straight away, while others waited until the weekend to welcome back customers.

Social media was full of smiling, happy people dining and drinking alfresco at venues across St Helens and throughout the borough.

And the spring sunshine delivered a timely boost too.

Some of the venues to share images of their outside spaces where.

Cinema Bar on Duke Street

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The Dean and Smokehouse by The Dean on Barrow Street

The Park Bar and Kitchen at Sherdley Park - which looks like it had a busy opening weekend.

The Griffin - The popular venue was serving fantastic looking roast dinners outside over the weekend, as shown by this mouthwatering post.

The Eccleston Arms - The venue reopened with its newly furnished courtyard seating space and a new menu ready to cater for all.

The Star Inn, Rainford - the venue has been serving takeaway food throughout lockdown, but was happy to reopen its beer garden on Friday.

The Gerard - with the largest beer garden in St Helens, many a happy punter has been visiting the venue last week, and we imagine the weekend was even more popular.

 

The Abbey - as well as being the site for a viral video this week of one happy gent pouring a long awaited pint over his head, the venue has been busy all weekend, what a happy first week back!

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The Wheatsheaf - with their new pods in the garden being popular, and other outdoor seating aside, it's no surprise the venue was busy last week.

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The Oak Tree in Newton-le-Willows - the venue has been that busy this weekend that it's become a first come first served venue, so for a spot of beer in the sunshine you best get there fast.

Toast - The popular brunch spot was busy all of last week with it's outdoor seating and courtyard area, can't imagine how many people booked in for that long awaited full English.

⁠The Village Kitchen Billinge - outdoor seating, plenty of ice cream and a park for the kids, yep you can bet this place was busy.

Smokehouse by The Dean - the latest venue to grace the St Helens cobbles has had a successful opening week, with some dishes already becoming firm favourites.

Verona Kitchen and Bar - the popular Italiam themed eatery welcomed back guests last week in its outdoor dining space.

The Cricketers Arms - After a soft launch yesterday, the 2019 winner of Britains Best pub is once again open for business

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