DESPITE concerns in some parts of the country about the prevalence of the 'Indian variant' of coronavirus, the next stage of the government's roadmap out of lockdown is due to arrive on Monday (May 17).

After the utterly miserable weather over the last couple of weeks, which has caused havoc to those wanting to sit outside to eat and drink, the doors to the warmer climes of the great indoors are almost here.

Not all of the town's pubs and restaurants have al fresco dining and drinking options, while others have been carrying out refurbishments and repairs following January's floods.

There are also those businesses that have been able to re-open, but at a very much reduced capacity, with the lifting of restrictions being most welcome.

Here are ten places that will be delighted to finally welcome back customers, for the first time since Christmas:

1. The Lost & Found, Knutsford

Based in the beautiful old Town Hall on Princess Street, The Lost & Found aims to serve the best cocktails in town. The focus is on theatrical cocktail serves and premium quality, freshly made food with British ingredients and an above and beyond customer service approach.

Having already been open for outdoor drinks and food from April 12, the vast indoor spaces of the building will now be open to welcome back even more customers.

2. The Rose and Crown, King Street Knutsford

The team at Rose & Crown offer high quality, great British food (focusing on locally sourced ingredients), and excellent service. They also offer guests the use of the stunning outside bar/terrace, which opened for customers on April 12. But like with all great pubs, it's what's on the inside that counts and the Rose and Crown doesn't disappoint on that front either.

Tables for drinks are on a first come, first served basis and booking requests can be made via the website www.knutsfordroseandcrown.co.uk.

3. Piccolino, King Street, Knutsford

The ever popular Italian chain was delighted to be able to welcome back a limited number of people to its gorgeous outdoor on April 12.

However, the time has now come for you to enjoy your favourite food and wine inside too.

With an amazing pizza and pasta menu and a wine list to die for, tables are likely to go fast. https://piccolinorestaurants.com/book-now/.

4. Evuna, King Street Knutsford

The popular tapas hangout has been waiting for months to welcome customers back for its famous small plates and an overall taste of Spain.

With trips to the tourist hot spot currently on hold, this might be the closest we can all get to some of our favourite dishes and wines.

There is plenty to go around and the team are raring to go. Book online at www.evuna.com

5. Old Sessions House, Princess Street, Knutsford

The perfect place to eat, drink, meet and explore.

Dog friendly and open daily with food served from 11:30am, Old Sessions House offer an appealing range of fresh homemade food using the very the best of local produce to create a menu full of exciting and creative dishes.

6. The Red Lion, Pickmere

The Red Lion is a fabulous country pub situated in the village of Pickmere where you can enjoy quality food and drink in relaxed and inviting surroundings.

The surrounding beer garden has been serving since April 12, but the inside of this traditional pub, roaring fires and all, is where the heart is.

Who knows, the way this weather is looking, they might be roaring for a good while yet.

7. Dexter and Jones, Princess Street, Knutsford

With hundreds of craft beers, with many on draft, dozens of wines and even more gins, Knutsford's unique bottle shop has been open throughout lockdown and making deliveries across the region.

Having been serving from their outdoor seating area, it is finally time to let you back inside to enjoy a taste of your favourite tipple.

Expect lots of fun, smiles and the occasional spot of impromptu dancing.

8. Suburban Green, Hawthorn Lane, Wilmslow

Suburban Green is the perfect hideaway. An ideal spot for drinking, dining and relaxing, it is a unique place with a carefully crafted small plates menu, classic cocktails, craft beers and fine wines that simply make it too easy to stay all day. Bookings need to be made online at https://www.suburban-green.co.uk/ but there will be some tables available on a first come first served basis.

9. The Three Greyhounds Inn, Allostock

A little bit further afield, the Three G's is really looking forward to having customers back.

They will be serving the new ‘Garden Menu’, with all the Three Greyhound’s favourites and the drinks that you have missed too.

10. The Botanist, King Street, Knutsford

Billed as being a concept like no other, offering a soon to be world-famous selection of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine.

The Botanist has been counting down the days until they can open their doors again and welcome you back inside.

There is a new summer drinks and food menu for you to try and bookings online are advised via www.thebotanist.uk.com/book-online