WITH lockdown restrictions being eased, Basingstoke is slowly getting more buzzy and lively.

Since Monday, April 12, outdoor seating areas have been open, allowing customers to visit restaurants and have a meal in their outdoor area.

Here are five of the best places to enjoy breakfast with friends and family, or on your own in and around Basingstoke this weekend.

These restaurants received the highest ratings for breakfast and brunch on TripAdvisor.

5. Audleys Wood

Rating: 4 starts, 132 reviews

Where: Alton Road, Basingstoke RG25 2JT England

1256 817555

Diners: "Was staying in the hotel so decided to eat in their restaurant. Wow, everything was so good. The food was excellent with a menu covering a really wide range of mains; from burger to tuna and beyond. The veg were cooked perfectly (as was my tuna, and my wife’s lamb). The service was exceptional and quick. Price was reasonable going on inexpensive for the quality."

"Popped in the breakfast, and boy was it good, full English breakfast was excellent, I don’t know how they do it but it is just the right amount of food, I think the chef is a mind reader. Thanks for a great start to the week."

Basingstoke Gazette: Audleys WoodAudleys Wood

4. Cote Brasserie

Rating: 4 stars, 252 reviews

Where: Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7BA England

01256 591616

Diners said: "My partner and I visited this Saturday just gone and had a lovely meal. It was a fair bit expensive for what it was, with 2 drinks, 2 mains and 2 starters coming too £72 with added tip (which is done automatically). But it was to celebrate Exactly a year till our wedding so was a nice treat without our children!"

"Due to the current situation I have not been able to eat out as much as usual. This was a pleasant surprise when my middle grandson treated me.
I chose the Breton Chicken for my main course which I have had before and it did not dissapoint. As I was driving I had to limit myself to one glass of Sancerre. Overall a very pleasant evening."

Basingstoke Gazette: Cote BrasserieCote Brasserie

3. Teagether - one like no other

Rating: 4 stars, 39 reviews

Where: Great Binfields Rd, Centre Dr, Lychpit, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 8TF

01256 242120

Diners said: "The breakfast is excellent including the homemade baked beans and freshly baked bread. I would strongly recommend."

"I am sitting in the sun in a beautiful courtyard having enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed full cooked breakfast. My partner had an equally wonderful smashed avocado on toast. It’s my first visit, and without doubt I’ll be back."

"Just had lunch at Teagether. Beautifully individually prepared dishes, perfectly presented and extremely delicious food."

Basingstoke Gazette:

2. Poppins Cafe & Restaurant

Rating: 4 stars, 89 reviews

Where: 2-3 Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QA England

01256 353701

Diners said: "My wife and I visit once a week roughly, the food is great, always hot and fresh. Service is good too. Dividers in place to adhere to Covid restrictions. Would highly recommend this place."

"This was our first visit to this restaurant and we were very pleased that we chose it. We had a full breakfast and the food was of a high standard and plenty of it! The waitress was delightful. Will definitely visit again."

"My husband and I went for a lunchtime ‘all day breakfast’ today. The food was hot, tasty and well presented! We had a great seating area near the window. Service was friendly and prompt. Will definitely go again."

Basingstoke Gazette: Poppins Restaurant & CafePoppins Restaurant & Cafe

1. Glasshouse Restaurant

Rating: 4.5 stars, 240 reviews

Where: Rectory Road Oakley Hall Hotel, Oakley, Basingstoke RG23 7ED

01256 783350

Diners said: “The menu was good with lovely food and great service. The desserts were also lovely especially the soufflé"

"We stayed in the Oakley Hall Hotel in which the Glasshouse is located and the food was exquisite! I wish we had stayed a few more nights so we could have tried more dishes! Absolutely wonderful!"

"Nice restaurant, food good and service very good. Attention to detail and personal without being intrustive."

Basingstoke Gazette: Glasshouse RestaurantGlasshouse Restaurant