PUNTERS will be asked to download apps to order drinks and pre-book tables in a bid to ensure social distancing is maintained as pubs emerge from the coronavirus lockdown.

Bartenders and table staff will be clad in protective gear, hand sanitiser stations will be commonplace and customers will be under strict restrictions this weekend as pubs and restaurants cautiously reopen to the public.

Pasini Leisure, which runs Three Wise Monkeys, in High Street, and Twisters, in North Hill, confirmed both venues will reopen on Saturday.

A spokesman said: “The safety of customers and staff has been behind every decision we have made.

“We have been planning for this moment, and have introduced a customer charter - an evolving list of the ways we will be helping customers keep safe.”

The two bars will run a booking system, with punters permitted to book a table for a two and a half hour session.

Staff will wear gloves and face masks at all times and will be required to take customers’ contact details.

Table bookings at Three Wise Monkeys can be made via an app, which can also be used to order food and drink and contactless payment is available.

Jackie Dungey, manager at The Playhouse, in St John’s Street, said: “We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

“The safety of staff and customers is paramount.”

The JD Wetherspoon pub will employ two staff members to clean surfaces, while an average of ten hand sanitiser dispensers will be installed.

The Church Street Tavern, in Church Street, is set to reopen on Saturday and is taking steps to ensure social distancing, including operating a booking system.

A post on the pub’s website said: “Our building is old and quirky and while it presents challenges, we are confident safe distancing can be maintained.

“We have removed tables and seats to reduce capacity by 30 per cent in dining areas and 40 per cent in the bar area.

“There is one meter plus between each table.

“Where we can, a one-way system will be in place to manage entry and exit from the pub.”

“Table service for food and drinks will be provided at the table and so guests will be unable to buy drinks from the bar.”

Giuseppe Buonocore, who runs Miseria e Nobiltà in Queen Street, said the restaurant has removed five tables to allow for one metre social distancing and hand sanitisers have been installed.

Mr Buonocore said: “We took this time to make some changes to the restaurant.

“We also did lot of food for NHS doctors in Colchester and Ipswich.”