AS THE BIG day approaches, various south Cumbrian pubs have announced whether they will be opening their doors this weekend.

Westmorland Camra Real Ale Pubs has seen differing responses from establishments, with some public houses and bars opening on July 4, but other establishments plan to wait until after the initial wave of openings.

Westmorland Camra pubs officer Caroline Schwaller said: “The pubs around Kendal and the Westmorland area, some of them will be open on the fourth but quite a few of them are staggering their opening from Monday the sixth onwards.

“This strikes me as being very sensible because they want to be cautious.”

Camra pubs that will be open on Saturday will include Kendal’s New Union and Romneys Kendal, as well as Castle Green’s Alexanders which will make use of its large outdoor area.

Some pubs will allow members of the public to bring their own chairs to sit outside.

The Barrel House of Bowness Bay Brewery will be opening later in the week on Thursday July 9.

The Barrel House also plans to extend its outside area by putting a makeshift roof outside to allow people to drink outside despite the bad predictions of weather.

A significant number of pubs have remained open throughout the lockdown serving takeaway drinks and meals to their community.

Other pubs opening include Rydal’s Badger bar, the Britannia Inn in Elterwater, Ambleside and Great Langdale’s Old Dungeon Gyll.

The Factory Tap will also be opening from July 4 to union members only.

Owner Ronnie Mullin said: “This weekend we will be open for bookings only, and a tab union membership and they are the only ones who can book at the moment. We are just testing water with people we know to start with.”

Camra stated: “As pubs reopen, we’re all looking forward to getting back to our locals, having a pint, and enjoying the social aspects of pub going.”

Further updates on open pubs visit whatpub.com.