TWO POPULAR town centre pubs in Reading are gearing up to reopen with a few changes after lockdown.

The Hope Tap in Friar Street and the Back of Beyond in King's Road, both owned by Wetherspoon, are among those pubs hoping to reopen as soon as possible after government approval.

To prepare beforehand the chain has put a number of social-distancing measures in place at the long-standing Reading pubs.

Customers can expect to now see screens around its tills and screens around the seating areas where it is not possible to separate tables the 2m requirement.

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Wetherspoons has also said that its pubs will be providing gloves, masks, and protective eyewear - and employees can elect whether to wear them or not (subject to government guidelines).

The Reading teams will also make sure there are a number of hand sanitisers now situated around the pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff.

Every employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work. This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.roa

This is just a number of measures put in place to allow the pubs to reopen to local residents safely.

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It will be open usual hours, with a reduced menu. Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit/debit card and contactless, although cash will be accepted.

Any reopening dates are yet to be made, and await government guidance.