Restaurants, cafes & pubs with outside seating.

I think we are all looking forward to the changes that are (hopefully) coming - even if it is with some trepidation. Knowing that we can go out for lunch, sit outside a coffee shop and enjoy a slice of cake and a flat white or have a drink with a friend in a pub garden seems like such a huge step forward. 

From 12th April, we are able to visit a cafe, restaurant or pub and as long as we can sit outside. We have done a bit of research to find out which local businesses have some outside seating - and you'll find over 100 suggestions in the link below!

Please note, this list was compiled with the help of some of our followers and are purely businesses that we know have some outside seating.  We have not personally checked each business for an opening date so please do check before you decide to visit. Some of the smaller venues will have very limited outside seating. For pubs and restaurants it is advisable to book a stable in advance.

The list is split into sections - Romford, Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Upminster & Cranham, Harold Hill, Brentwood and a little further afield. 

Havering Libraries Reopening!

Libraries are now open with revised opening hours. Please check individual branch details below.

Romford, Harold Hill & Hornchurch (first floor)
Monday 2pm - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 2pm - 7pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Upminster & Rainham
Monday 2pm - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday - Closed
Thursday - Closed
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Gidea Park & South Hornchurch
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 2pm - 7pm
Friday - Closed
Saturday - Closed

Collier Row, Elm Park, Harold Wood remain closed until further notice (still being used as testing sites)

Limited numbers and social distancing will be in place and library staff have been provided with personal protective equipment to ensure their safety.

Library users will be asked for their contact details to support NHS Test and Trace and will need to try to keep 2m apart for social distancing, follow the one-way systems in place, to use hand sanitisers which are in every library.

Library users are also asked to wear face coverings in line with government advice.

Access to public computers will resume with limited access, time and staff support.

Fines for late return of books remain suspended and no cash will be taken at libraries which means printing and photocopying services will remain suspended.

Virtual events via Zoom will continue to run (e.g. Baby Bounce, Chat in a Hat, Knit & Natter, Book Clubs and Poetry). Please email [email protected] for further details.

For more information about our libraries click here.

Easter Ideas for Everyone!

Easter is approaching and we need to think about ways to keep everyone entertained over the holiday period.  Whilst Covid restrictions are slowly relaxing, from 29th March we are able to meet with one other family or up to 6 people outdoors which is fantastic but we know there will still be lots of time to fill!

If you are unsure of the rules around the Easter holiday period please do check the Government website here for a full breakdown of what is and isn't allowed.

Don't forget that we are updating the what’s on(line) page daily with various activities that you can join in with, many of which are free. Make sure you check it regularly!  

Click the image below to get some great ideas including:

• Activities 
• Free printables
• Games
• Crafts
• Out & about
• Door step visits
• Movies
• Easter treats and snacks

Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt

Spring is in the air! It's so lovely to see daffodils and snowdrops blooming and to hear the sound of lawnmowers around the neighbourhood!  We are always looking for FREE or cheap things to do with the kids and this sort of activity is always a good one to have on standby! You can download this FREE here!

We are spoilt for choice in Havering as we have so many parks and woodland to visit. For some of our suggestions, click here.