Scores of pubs in Dorset have been preparing their outdoor seating areas ready for the big re-opening on April 12.

You won't be able to go inside the pubs just yet. But sitting outdoors will be the next best thing - especially if the weather stays good.

Some locals have traditional beer gardens, some narrow courtyards. A few have set up overhead coverings. Some might even have outdoor heating. All are looking forward to welcoming customers back.

Here's a list of 10 pubs where you'll be able to go for a drink and a bite to eat from April 12. But be warned - some of them may be busy, so check whether you need to book...

Royal Oak, Dorchester Road, Weymouth

Huge changes have been made to the Royal Oak during lockdown - including an extensive new outdoor area.

It will be open from April 12 and features a brand new grass beer garden, lit and heated 'Bistro Alley', a 50m2 patio and a courtyard - complete with a 50" TV to watch all of your favourite sports on.

Red Lion Hotel, Winfrith Newburgh

Staff at this village pub are excited about the reopening of its beer garden on Monday for outside dining and drinks.

This traditional pub has been offering takeaways throughout lockdown including fish and chip Fridays and Sunday roasts. It has rewarded its regulars with a lockdown loyalty card offering 25 per cent off for a sixth purchase.

Belvedere, High West Street, Weymouth

This pub's popular south-facing beer garden known as the 'narden' will be reopen from Monday seven days a week from 12pm to 6pm serving a limited menu.

The garden is in such demand that no further bookings will be taken for Saturday, April 17 and reservations will only be held for 10 minutes. Contact the pub to book.

Black Bear, Wool

This friendly freehouse is opening its garden from Monday, 11am and Mel and all the staff are looking forward to welcoming everyone back.

Conveniently situated just off a popular cycle route from Dorchester, the Black Bear and its sunny beer garden is sure to be a popular stop off.

Eight Kings, Southwell, Portland

This pub will be reopening on April 12 with a new beer garden especially for the occasion.

Its sunny garden has been praised on TripAdvisor as having 'a great atmosphere'.

Giant Inn, Cerne Abbas

Staff look forward to welcoming customers back again from April 12 for outside dining and drinks.

This pub is known for the handcrafted real ales it sources locally.

Tom Browns, High East Street, Dorchester

No bookings are being taken for this town pub's popular beer garden, which leads down to the River Frome.

It's first come first served with the garden open from Monday and hours for the first week of opening being 3pm to 10pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 10pm Saturday and Sunday.

For those who fancy food with the beer, food from Hamza's Syrian and Middle Eastern Cuisine can be enjoyed in the garden from Thursdays to Sundays.

Sydney Arms, Bridport Road, Dorchester

Open from noon on Monday, the garden at the Sydney Arms has been transformed.

Bookings are being taken on 07306 376169 and 01305 751696.

Victoria Hotel, Dagmar Road, Dorchester

The pub's garden will be open from April 12 and the inside has had a revamp ready for when people can be welcome back inside.

Anchor Inn, Burton Bradstock

The pub will reopen its garden from Monday to serve food and drinks weather permitting.

The garden area, food and friendly welcome at the pub are praised in TripAdvisor reviews.

If there's a beer garden opening on Monday that you love and we haven't mentioned it in this article or previous articles, tell us about it below.