Great British Beer Gardens

Where better to spend a glorious (hopefully) Bank Holiday weekend than leaning back in the sun, with a drink in your hand, in a great pub beer garden? I can’t think of many places that can top that. So in the hopes of grasping on to a last bit of summer and in honour of this long weekend, we have a guide to 5 great beer garden options from around the country.

1) The Jam Tree, Chelsea

Image from TheJamTree.com.

This funky gastropub set on Chelsea’s famous Kings Road features a tasty array of food and drink. It’s cosy beer garden has parasols for those who prefer the shade, and warm outdoor heaters, so feel free to stay late after the sun’s gone in (if it ever came out at all) and enjoy the atmosphere of this quaint and quirky bar that is favoured by local Londoners and tourists alike.

2) The Trout, Oxford

Image from thetroutoxford.co.uk.

Pitching up Thames-side with a pint? What could be better?! This beautiful traditional pub sits in one of the most picturesque settings in England, was frequented by Lewis Carroll and C.S Lewis, and was featured in Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse. And it’s not hard to see why it would be the favourite spot for a tipple for famous figures, whether real or fictional. Imagine sitting with a pint in your hand, the sun shining down on your shoulders, the gentle lapping of the water (or perhaps not so gentle, depending on the waters temperament that day). Lovely!

3) The Wellington, Birmingham

Image from independent-birmingham.co.uk (Article ‘The Best Beer Gardens in Birmingham’).

Tucked away in the heart of city, mere minutes from the main train stations, is a pub that lives the ethos of a Great English Pub. A wide selection of cask ale’s are on offer, with a great choice of local brews; it’s not surprising that they’ve won Birmingham CAMRA’s Pub of the Year on several occasions. The food is strictly BYO, but they’re more than happy to provide you with a plate and cutlery. So if it’s good quality beer you care about, grab yours and enjoy it on the cosy, comfy outdoor terrace.

4) The Royal Oak, Tilehurst, Reading

Image from theroyaloak-tilehurst.co.uk.

If you’re in the Reading area, you could do worse than this classic country pub, with its award winning beer garden. The friendly hosts hold BBQ’s when weather’s good and dogs are welcome, so grab your glass, head outside and relax amongst the beautiful greenery and floral displays. And if you’re a keen angler, there are regularly organised trips to Barn Elms lake for a spot of fishing, complete with a bit of grub and pint back at the pub afterwards.

5) The Mount Edgcumbe, Tunbridge Wells

Image from TheMount Edgcumbe.com.

In this pub they sure know how to have a good time, and get to do so in a truly refined setting. This gorgeous traditional pub (complete with its own cave!) is host to many fun and interesting events, from their Sunday Board Games nights to their ‘Narnia’ themed New Years Eve party. They have a pretty, secluded beer garden with ample space to kick back in and soak up the sun in the heart of historic Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Post written by Julie Fisher.