THE SUN is shining and, from April 26, pubs across Wales will welcome people into their outdoor areas.

Barry’s no exception – reader Jon Hill recommended The Butterfly Collector, on Holton Road, for its ‘brilliant atmosphere’.

The award-winning micropub will welcome guests into their loading bay from 2pm to 10pm from April 26.

Gareth Slattery, who owns The Butterfly Collector, said: “I’m optimist about re-opening and taking a step towards normality.

“Businesses have lost thousands of pounds during lockdown. We’re a small pub so the grants have been okay, and we’ve reduced the impact of lockdowns by offering takeaway.

“Lockdown has been bad – especially for people who live alone. People need an escape, somewhere for them to meet.

“We are reopening as safely as possible; I’m looking forward to seeing some smiling faces.”

As The Butterfly Collector doesn’t have a bar they’ve always done table service which will continue. But the venue now offers four new cocktails and ‘Fukoffee’ coffee.

Craft Republic, which opened in a GoodSheds unit on Hood Road in August 2020, will also be welcoming people into their outdoor area (from Wednesday April 28).

Reader Amy Greenfield posted – via Facebook: “I’m super excited to go to Craft Republic again – I love their Barry Island Rum.”

Craft Republic is an independent craft beer, wine and spirits bar and bottle shop opened by husband and wife, Claire and Tim Whalley, who only buy from independent businesses.

The venue has 14 taps of constantly changing craft beer, and a canning machine which allows them to put fresh draught craft beer into 500ml cans for people to takeaway. It’s also the home of Barry Island Gin and Barry Island Rum which are their own recipes.

Mrs Whalley said: “Our life savings have gone into building our business – we’re not part of a group, we’re not backed by any breweries, and we have no other venues."

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During lockdown the venue has operated as a shop, providing fresh draught craft beer into cans for people to take home.

Mrs Whalley added: “Because our customers have continued to support us, we’ve been able to continue supporting other independent businesses during an incredibly challenging time.”

“We’ve not stopped working and - even though the last few months have been mentally and emotionally draining - not operating as a bar over the past few months has actually given us time to develop other areas of our business.

“We can’t wait to welcome people back. We’re very excited to be open as a bar again although the bottle shop is going to remain open too.”

Craft Republic will be re-open as a bar on Wednesday April 28. It will be open from 4pm to 11pm on Wednesdays, and from 12pm to 11pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Tables are socially distanced, with sanitizer available. For more information on their safety measures visit www.wearecraftrepublic.co.uk/covid-safe

Booking isn’t essential but is highly recommended, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.