THE long wait will soon be over... shops, hairdressers and pub beer gardens are among the places that can begin to reopen from Monday (April 12) as easing of the third national lockdown continues.
And for one of St Helens town centre's streets, this week will herald the arrival of a new venue, some new flavours and a new vibe.
Smokehouse by The Dean – a Texas barbecue-style restaurant – will open as the sister restaurant to fine-dining restaurant The Dean, on Barrow Street following the transformation of a unit during lockdown.
The relaxed Covid-19 rules mean limited groups of people can dine and drink outside and so the venue's bosses are bringing in parasols, patio heaters and blankets to the pedestrianised street as they aim to safely entertain customers outdoors.