MANY of the county’s most popular pubs were forced to close their doors on March 20 in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Now, with a number of businesses and shops reopening, Tynedale’s most popular haunts are eagerly awaiting the green light to welcome punters.

It is expected that pubs, restaurants and cafes, will reopen no earlier than July 4, providing strict Covid-19 regulations, such as social distancing and regular cleaning, are in place.

While a number of pubs have been offering takeaway food and beer, patrons are keen to enjoy the proper pub experience once again.

We asked readers of the Hexham Courant online where their first pint will be once Tynedale’s pubs fully reopen.

The Rat Inn, Anick

The pub, in Anick near Hexham, was popular among readers.

The Rat Inn is well renowned for its food offering and was ranked number 15 in the top 50 gastropubs 2020, marking its fifth consecutive year in the Top 20.

Denyse Waters, Jane Killmister, Jenny Thorp and Ann Ferguson all said on Facebook that they’d be enjoying their first real ale at the Rat Inn once it reopened.

And Joan Clark said she would be making use of the newly refurbished beer garden.

The Boatside Inn, Warden

The Boatside was a firm favourite with readers, with many also keen to take advantage of the vast, outdoor space.

The pub has long been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with its closeness to some of the best walking and cycling routes in the Tyne Valley.

Jackie Liddle Robley and Edwina Perkins both said on Facebook that they would be would be visiting the “wonderful” Boatside Inn once able.

The Boatside Inn, ready to welcome customers back, said: “Hope to see many of you enjoying the sunshine in our large beer garden.”

The Grapes, Hexham

The pub on St Mary’s Chare, Hexham, was also amongst the top suggestions.

Andrew Moulding, Hayley Louise Mcvay and Jayne Jones all said on Facebook that it would be their first stop once permitted.

The Grapes is well-known for its large selection of drinks, pub quizzes and live music.

The Sun Inn, Acomb

The Sun was also mentioned by readers, boasting a large selection of real ales and home cooked meals.

Other popular pubs included The Rose and Crown, Slaley, The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham, The Swinburne Arms, Stamfordham, The White Swan, Ovingham and The Red Lion, Newbrough.