Restaurant group Wagamama has unveiled plans to reopen around half of its restaurants for outdoor dining next month –including its Norwich eatery.
From April 12, the noodle and katsu chain will open 72 of its branches again for al fresco dining next.
It comes following PM Boris Johnson’s plan to ease restrictions, with outdoor drinking and dining allowed at pubs and restaurants from next month.
It will mark a welcome step for restaurants with outdoor space after the sector was forced to close to everything except takeaway orders since the third lockdown began at the beginning of the year.
From this date, diners will be able to meet in a group of up to six people from different households, while a maximum of two households can meet to form a group of any size.
A Wagamama spokesperson said: "We're excited to begin this first stage of reopening to our guests.
"Our outdoor dining experience offers guests the same great Wagamama experience whilst complying with coronavirus safety regulations, ensuring both guest and staff safety."
Indoor dining will only be allowed after May 17, when Wagamama will look to reopen the rest of its restaurants.
The group, which launched a new vegan range in January, will continue offering delivery and click and collect across its chain.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here