The rules Wetherspoon will use to reopen hundreds of pubs next month

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has laid out a seven-point plan to get hundreds of its venues reopened next month.

The hospitality giant confirmed that around 394 of its pubs will be able to reopen from April, or when England reaches step two of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

At that point, outdoor hospitality settings such as beer gardens, restaurant terraces and rooftop bar spaces will be permitted to open up for the first time in months.

The UK's largest pub chain, Wetherspoon operates some 900 pubs across the UK and Ireland.

It has said there'll be a seven-point plan rolled out across outlets to get them trading again, which will include new opening hours and limited menus.

Wetherspoon said that around 394 branches will reopen from 9am until 9pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 9am until 10pm on Friday to Saturday from mid-April.

Wetherspoon chiefs said while indoor areas will remain closed to the public - in line with government guidance - customers will be allowed inside to use restrooms or if it is the only way to reach the outdoor area.

Sedgelynn in Chorlton (Manchester Evening News)

In and out routes will be marked for those customers entering and leaving the pub, while test and trace will be in operation - with customers asked to scan their location upon entry.

The company has also said it will encourage customers to use the Wetherspoon app to place orders, though it will be possible to pay via a member of staff.

Some items on the menu will be temporarily removed, but it will still include breakfast options, burgers, pizzas, fish and chips and weekday specials.

However bosses said the biggest difference to their rivals will be that customers will not be able to book a table ahead of their visit.

Wetherspoon will instead operate a first-come-first serve policy, as was the case last summer.

Indoor pub spaces will not be allowed to reopen until step three of the roadmap is reached, which is no earlier than May 17.

Sacha Lord has launched another legal challenge with Hugh Osmond this week in a bid to get hospitality fully open at the same time as non-essential retail.