IT’S been a difficult past few weeks in lockdown and despite some concerns about the new tier-two restrictions coming to Bracknell Forest, we will soon be able to get back out and about.
So with less than a week until the second national shutdown ends, many of our favourite places across the borough will be getting ready to welcome back familiar faces.
IN FULL: What tier-two coronavirus restrictions mean for Bracknell Forest residents
Here’s what you can and can’t do at some of the best the borough has to offer when tier-two restrictions kick in on December 2.
There’s no place like home, of course, so it’s worth remembering you can not meet other households (apart from in a support bubble) at indoor settings.
But you meet up in a group of up to six people outdoors, in beauty spots like South Hill Park, Swinley Forest, Lily Hill Park and other green spaces (we’d recommend you take a coat, though!).
The Lexicon is also a good place to meet friends and family due to its open, airy design, and all shops (both essential and non-essential) are allowed to open in tier two.
But again, it’s worth remembering you can not go indoors with people who do not live in your household.
READ MORE: Reactions to new coronavirus tiers for Berkshire as they came in
If you do venture to the town centre, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants?
Favourites such as TGI Fridays, Nando’s and Wagamama are allowed to provide table service only, must stop taking orders at 10pm and will have to close down by 11pm.
These restaurants, like pubs, can only serve alcohol with substantial meals too.
So while that means our favourite pubs and bars which don’t serve food will have to close down, those that do, such as the Plough and Harrow in Warfield and The Bull in Bracknell, can re-open following the end of lockdown.
If you fancy working off your dinner, you are now allowed back at Bracknell Leisure Centre and other gyms across the borough.
But if you fancy a different kind of activity afterwards, Hollywood Bowl and other entertainment venues such as cinemas, casinos, and museums are all allowed to re-open in tier two areas.
They must close by 11pm, however.
This also means Coral Reef Water World and other adventure parks will be allowed to re-open. Indoor meeting rules still apply, however.
If you’re itching to get back playing football at Great Hollands Recreation Ground or any other outdoor sports facility, you’re in luck: organised, nonprofessional sport can resume.
READ MORE: Pub rules explained as landlord reacts to tier two restrictions
Your hair may have got a bit wild over the past few weeks in lockdown but you can look a million dollars again as The Hair and Beauty Room and other personal care spots, such as hairdressers and nail salons, will be allowed to open their doors again from December 2.
If you’re a fan of one of the local professional football teams, such as Reading FC, you can venture back to the Madejski Stadium in a crowd of up to 2,000 people.
Bracknell Town FC will also be allowed to let fans attend games at Larges Lane at a capacity of 50 per cent.
Finally, Kerith Community Church and other places of worship will be allowed to open on December 2, but any attendees cannot interact anyone outside their household or support bubble.
A notice on the Church’s website states that meetings are not current taking place in their buildings, however.
Like with all establishments listed above, re-opening is entirely at the discretion of their management.
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