Pints with a view: 12 of the UK’s best pub beer gardens
Perfect places to enjoy an al fresco ale, cocktail or glass of wine this summer
- 1. The Watering Hole, Perranporth
- 2. The Mortal Man, Troutbeck
- 3. The Old Neptune, Whitstable
- 4. The Boathouse, Shrewsbury
- 5. The Ferry Inn, St Dogmaels
- 6. Cold Town House, Edinburgh
- 7. Pandora Inn, Falmouth
- 8. Key West Restaurant Bar & Grill, Bournemouth
- 9. Cutters Wharf Bar and Restaurant, Belfast
- 10. The Ship, Wandsworth
- 11. The Tempest Inn, Brighton
- 12. Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
1. The Watering Hole, Perranporth
Cornwall, England
A beer garden with “gorgeous beachside views” can be found at The Watering Hole in Perranporth, said Time Out. “Plonked” right on the Perranporth coast, this boozer serves local Cornish ales and visitors can enjoy “unparalleled ocean views” from its alfresco space. The Watering Hole is also a great spot for live music.
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2. The Mortal Man, Troutbeck
Lake District, England
If you’re taking a trip to Lake Windermere, or seeking a base in the Lake District, then this quirky traditional English inn offers not just food and drink, but 12 rooms as well. The large beer garden is “tucked among rolling green hills with spectacular views over the fells and dales”, said Allie D’Almo on Big Seven Travel. It’s “perfect” for lazy afternoons after long walks in the Lakes. According to the owners it’s “probably” the best beer garden in the Lake District.
3. The Old Neptune, Whitstable
Kent, England
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Nicknamed “The Neppy” by locals, this 19th-century Whitstable boozer doesn’t just have a beer garden – it has a beer “beach”. One of the few pubs that can be found on a beach in Britain, its menu is filled with classic pub grub options, such as traditional favourites fish and chips, pie and mash and burgers. If “only views of the crashing waves will do”, then head to The Old Neptune, said Time Out. “Sit outside with salty shingle underfoot for unobstructed views of the sand, the sea and the watery horizon.”
4. The Boathouse, Shrewsbury
Shropshire, England
At this historic pub in Shrewsbury you can enjoy a “perfectly pleasant lunch”, said The Times. But it’s “after dark” when this place “really comes alive”. Located on the banks of the River Severn, post-sunset the river “reflects lights” from the Boathouse’s “twinkling” Tudor frontage and from the “exceptionally photogenic” Quarry Park bridge.
5. The Ferry Inn, St Dogmaels
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Located in the “picturesque” village of St Dogmaels in Pembrokeshire, The Ferry Inn sits on the bank of the River Teifi, said WalesOnline. A “great place to enjoy a tipple outside”, the pub boasts multiple waterfront terraces and a specially adapted “Cabin on the Deck”. There’s even a jetty for “customers planning on arriving by boat”.
6. Cold Town House, Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
Calton Hill Brewery was the first in Britain to brew lager and Edinburgh’s Cold Town House was named after the famed Grassmarket destination. Opening in 2019, this outpost – which was previously a church – has already made a name for itself with its mission to make beer accessible for all. Its beer garden displays favourable views of Edinburgh Castle with a variety of seating to choose from, including gondola seats and ski lifts. Another unique feature of this outdoor space is its vintage Nissan van where you can order drams directly to your table.
7. Pandora Inn, Falmouth
Cornwall, England
This 13th century pub is set in a pretty thatched cottage on the edge of Restronguet Creek in Cornwall. Its beer garden extends out onto a pontoon, where visitors can sit at a table and enjoy fresh food, an extensive wine list and traditional real ales from St Austell Brewery. One word of caution though, drivers should be aware that the pub’s car park is quite small and it can get pretty crowded in summer. So why not arrive by boat, said Allie D’Almo on Big Seven Travel. Falmouth Water Taxi and St Mawes Mini Cruises both stop directly outside the inn. “Not quite the French Riviera but every bit as pretty.”
8. Key West Restaurant Bar & Grill, Bournemouth
Dorset, England
Located at the end of Bournemouth Pier, Key West is a fantastic spot for drinks with a view. The seaside restaurant and bar juts out into the water, meaning panoramic vistas of Bournemouth’s blue coastline no matter where you sit. Perfect for nursing a pint on a warm day, there is a decent selection of draught beers on tap. The food menu is a no-frills affair, broken down into different sections, including a number of seafood classics such as a “world famous” hand battered fish with chunky chips.
9. Cutters Wharf Bar and Restaurant, Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Regarded as Belfast’s best riverside bar, Cutters Wharf is located right on the banks of the River Lagan. This “buzzy” bar has three terraces – River, Sunset, and Celebration – from which to enjoy live music from Belfast’s best traditional Irish bands, as well as views of the river and the setting sun, said Time Out. The perfect spot to enjoy a casual lunch, bottle of wine or gin cocktail.
10. The Ship, Wandsworth
London, England
When it comes to beer gardens, The Ship is positioned as one of London’s most loved. Located in Wandsworth, this pub is tucked along the banks of the River Thames and is known for its picturesque waterside views. The team pour a range of craft beers and ales and have an extensive wine menu alongside a selection of classic cocktails for those looking for something with a kick.
11. The Tempest Inn, Brighton
East Sussex, England
Brighton is rich when it comes to its number of beer gardens but one worth taking note of is The Tempest Inn. Hailed as one of the coolest and most unique spaces in the city, this pub is home to intimate indoor caves with a terrace that spills onto the seafront. Brighton was placed as the most vegan-friendly city in 2020, so it comes as no surprise that the kitchen has a dedicated vegan menu with plant-based dishes like cauliflower wings and mushroom katsu curries. It’s a great place to nurse a pint and watch the sun set.
12. Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
London, England
Located in the heart of London Bridge, Vinegar Yard is constantly abuzz thanks to its plethora of pop-up bars and street food vendors. This vast outdoor space is one of the largest in the city, with views of London’s iconic buildings including The Shard. You can sample a great range of draught beers, with the selection featuring some of London’s best breweries. There’s also a huge range of spirits, wines and cocktails.