THE owners of a County Durham micropub have issued a heartfelt plea to patrons ahead of the all important date of April 12.

In a message to customers preparing for the reopening of beer gardens next month, The Waiting Room at Durham Railway Station urged patience.

It comes as venues across the region, including in Durham City and Darlington, have already revealed their reopening plans as some report they are fully-booked.

Full list of beer gardens and restaurants open in Darlington on April 12

Beer gardens and Durham City restaurants opening outdoors on April 12

In a message on behalf of the rest of the hospitality sector, The Waiting Room warned some businesses may be unable to serve in the way they might expect.

Warning that some businesses could be seeing up to a '90 per cent reduction' due to space available, it set out a list of ways patrons of the industry can "support" venues.

On social media, they said: "A PLEA FROM US (AND PROBABLY THE REST OF HOSPITALITY)!

"As bars and restaurants prepare to reopen for outside service only, here are a few things to consider and some ways you can help support businesses:

"Only having outside space to operate, many businesses will be running at greatly reduced capacity. It could be up to a 90 per cent reduction.

"Many businesses will operate during this period with operating costs disproportionate to level of trade, such as staffing costs due to table service only.

"Many businesses will likely make a loss during this period and will be happy just to break even.

"There will NOT be enough outside tables across the region to meet with demand during the usual peak periods (Fridays/Saturdays)."

Asking customers to therefore consider relieving the pressure if a venue is busy to "spread" their visits during the week, it said: "What would REALLY help hospitality is if customers could “spread their love” (custom/spend) and consider having a pint during the quieter periods, mid week etc.

"If your plans change and you’re unable to make a booking then please contact the bar to cancel so they can reallocate your table.

"Fingers crossed for weather like last April/May."

Towards the end of last month, The Waiting Room announced it would be opening for table service from April 12.