In just over two weeks, pub gardens will be able to open, giving many Londoners their first sips of draught beer since December last year.

Government guidance says outdoor areas of hospitality venues such as pubs can open again from April 12. Takeaway alcohol will also make a return.

The venues may allow customers to use toilets located inside, but customers will have to order, be served, and eat and drink while seated to maintain social distancing.

Helen Clark is head of regulatory services for Richmond, Wandsworth and Merton Councils.

She said she is preparing webinars next week to help non-essential retailers, hospitality, and close-contact services understand the new rules.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We realise there's going to be this unusual stage between April 12 and May 17 where you are going to be able to eat and drink outside, but not inside. That is something we didn't really have last year."

The councils are helping to advise pubs if they can open up spaces such as car parks or balconies for outdoor seating.

The pedestrianisation of areas such as Church Street in Twickenham will also help establishments to reopen that wouldn't have space otherwise.

The 'hot potato' on reopening toilets and riverside gatherings has also seen some clearer guidance this time around.

"That was an absolute nightmare last year," said Helen.

"We will be encouraging all pubs, where they can do it safely, to open their toilets, and if they have very large outdoor areas, if they want to provide portaloos which can be managed and serviced, then absolutely fine.

"Everything has to be discussed. But generally we want to try and accommodate people opening, and we want people to be able to use the toilets at the premises. We don't want the situation that we had last year."

She said the past year has been frustrating.

"I did think, 'gosh, I was like the Grinch, you can't do this, you can't do that', and that's not really the way that we would like to be, but we've had no choice.

"It doesn't look like we're going back to whether a sausage roll is a substantial meal scenario, but they are saying that people should be seated."

The council will also be using its covid marshalls to remind people to stay apart, but if people are really concerned about gatherings they should call 101 for the police.

"I'm really hopeful that people have a much greater understanding this summer compared to last summer," she said.

"Once people are drinking they can't socially distance, they really struggle. We all really struggle with that. So there is a rationale behind what the government is trying to do. It's basically trying to keep us safe.

"Sometimes we do feel like killjoys at the moment but we have to. We are trying to keep everybody safe."

Below is a list of some of the pubs in Richmond borough which are reopening their outdoor spaces on April 12.

The White Cross

The website says: "Make a reservation to join us when we re-open. For the first few weeks until 17th May, we will be opening outside only for tables up to 6 from multiple households or 2 households of up to 10."

The Barmy Arms, Twickenham

The website says: "If you're already imagining that first sip of freshly poured beer, we'll be taking garden bookings online from Friday 26th March. However, if you don't like to plan in advance then we will be welcoming walk-ins, so do pop in and see us.

"We hope you're as excited as we are, so start weaning yourself off the loungewear and we look forward to seeing you soon."

The Anglers, Teddington

The website says: "Table bookings for our outside space are now open and we will be operating with all the relevant coronavirus measures. It's been a long time coming and we can't wait to see you."

Coach and Horses, Kew

Coach and Horses, Barnes

The Red Lion, Barnes

The Sun Inn, Barnes

The White Hart, Barnes

White Horse

Roebuck

Lass O'Richmond

Marlborough

Orange Tree

The Hare and Hounds, East Sheen

The Victoria, East Sheen

The website says: "Alongside our beautiful pub garden (already much loved by you all) we will be launching our extension, a fabulous, pop-up, secret garden under cover in our car park.

"Expect sociable tables, cosy sofas and twinkling lights. Whatever the weather, you'll be warm and dry in our well-ventilated marquee. Tantalising food will be on offer and our usual great selection of beers, wines and spirits."

The Fox and Duck, Petersham

The Britannia

The Crown, St Margarets

Stein's Richmond

Reopening: April 13

The website says: "We will close on 12th of April for set up after the weekend and will then be fully open with seating and alcohol sales from 13th of April."

Tap on the Line, Kew

Reopening: April 14

The Ship, Mortlake

Reopening: April 15

The website says: "You've spent most of 2021 going for a 'nice walk', drinking warmish wine you forgot to chill and re-watching Line of Duty.

"But not for much longer."