IT HAS been a long wait.

Although we've managed to whet our whistles for a cheeky pint outside – rainy spells have left us longing to be able to sit inside a pub once more.

But the day is now upon us.

From Monday, May 17, we are finally able to return to pubs without being at the mercy of the weather.

Daily Echo: The Fleming Arms in Swaythling - one of the pubs to be reopening

Although scores of establishments have already welcomed customers back for outside seating, there are still a few left to open.

The Fleming Arms, one of the pubs to reopen wrote on their Facebook page: “Were making a come back on the 17th May.

"Pub lunches, date nights and after-work drinks, it’s been a year of lost moments.

"So say goodbye to the video calls, catch up TV and loungewear.

"Dig out those glad rags because it’s nearly time to raise a glass together, at last.”

Some of the pubs to reopen on Monday, May 17, include:

  • Balmoral Beefeater, Nursling
  • The Brightwater Inn, Shirley
  • The Bedford, Bedford Place
  • Bellemoor Tavern, Shirley
  • Fleming Arms, Swaythling
  • The London Hotel (May 19th), London Road
  • The Malvern, Shirley

Daily Echo: The Malvern on Winchester Road, Shirley

These are all the ones we know of so far, or have been able to verify.

But, as we enter the third stage of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, there are still rules to adhere to.

The rule of six will remain in all indoor pub and restaurant settings, or a larger group from two households is also allowed.

Daily Echo: Bellemoor Tavern, Hill Lane, Shirley

Support bubbles are expected to still count as a single household.

Do you know of any other pubs reopening today? Simply let us know in the comments below and we'll add them to the story.