PATRONS will be able to enjoy their pint from a comfortable seating pod outside a west Dorset pub later this month.

The Spyway Inn at Askerswell has reached an agreement with Dorset Council to allow them to use their newly-built ‘Spypods’ as outdoor seating when the venue reopens.

Pubs and restaurants are allowed to serve food and drinks outside from Monday, April 12, although the Spyway will not be opening until a few days later.

The Spyway team created the pods as something of a lockdown project and to provide customers with weatherproof seating areas whilst also giving them garden views in all weathers through the pod’s windowed exterior.

To be classed as outdoor seating they have to be at least 50 per cent in the open air so the team has agreed to remove the doors and some back panels.

Landlady Laura Watson said: “We have always loved our outdoor space and know that many of our customers do to. After a lot of research we discovered the Spypods, which can be used regardless what the weather throws at us. We are really looking forward to being able to reopen and to welcome customers back to enjoy our garden and fabulous views. We will definitely be praying to the sun gods for some nice weather.”

The Spyway Inn is due to reopen on Thursday, April 15. To book a pod, visit www.thespywayinn.com/spypods