46 stunning pubs for sunny days
Fancy sipping a cold one in a pretty al fresco pub with friends or fam? Here are the best of the bunch across the Muddy counties.
BEDFORDSHIRE BERKSHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE CORNWALL DEVON GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE HERTFORDSHIRE ISLE OF WIGHT KENT LEICESTERSHIRE NORFOLK NORTHAMPTONSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE RUTLAND SOMERSET SURREY SUSSEX WARWICKSHIRE WILTSHIRE
ISLE OF WIGHT
Fisherman’s Cottage, Shanklin
At the bottom of Shanklin Chine you’ll find the picture-perfect thatched roof of The Fisherman’s Cottage, right on the shoreline. Opened in 1817, it was once the location of Victorian hot brine baths and has been attracting tourists to the area for over 200 years. Now, it’s open between March and November, serving up locally caught crab and lobster and offering stunning views of the Island’s unique coastline. fishermanscottageshanklin.co.uk
The Spyglass Inn, Ventnor
The Spyglass Inn recently won The National Pub & Bar Awards Best Pub in the Isle of Wight for 2019, and with its shoreline location and incredible history, it’s very easy to see why. Its enviable location makes it a great place to head on a balmy summer’s day and with the largest wine menu on the Island, you’ll be able to match the location with the perfect tipple. thespyglass.com
The Wight Mouse Inn, Chale
On the south of the Island, in the little village of Chale, is The Wight Mouse Inn. This family-owned pub has a huge southern-facing terrace and garden space that offers spectacular views over to The Needles and Tennyson Down. It also has its own playground and indoor soft play to keep the kids nice and entertained while you sit back and enjoy the view. wightmouse.co.uk
NORFOLK
The Jolly Sailor, Brancaster Staithe
You’ll certainly be jolly after a visit to this coastal gem in North Norfolk – they have the largest selection of rum on the coast. Roll off the beach and hang out on a deck chair among the brightly coloured beach huts and pick from the summer smokehouse, BBQ or stone-baked pizza menu. Seafood is fresh off the fishermen’s boat across the road. Not forgetting the kiddies – the beer garden is huge, with pirate ship and climbing frame, silly photo stand and an ice-cream hut. jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk
The Ffolkes Arms, Hillington
This beer garden is truly awesome and a big high five to the creative minds behind the zip wire, boardwalks, slides and climbing wall. Perfect for families with ‘little Ffolkes’ – they’ll be happy for hours leaving the grown-ups to enjoy the delicious grazing menu. If a summer afternoon runs into the evening (we’ve all been there), there’s also an indoors games room with pool, table football and board games. ffolkes.org.uk
The Georgian Townhouse, Norwich
Looking for a country pub in the city? The Georgian Townhouse is one of Muddy Norfolk’s favourite places to hangout for after work drinks, a weekend catch up with family and friends or a cheeky liquid lunch. Situated in the trendy Golden Triangle area of Norwich, this large pub/hotel is only a five minute walk from the main shopping area. Plenty of spaces to hang out when the sun is shining – a large dining terrace and garden with an outdoor bar and kitchen, BBQ, kids play area and table tennis tables. thegeorgiantownhousenorwich.com
BERKSHIRE
The Old Boot Inn, Stanford Dingley
Frazzled parents rejoice, The Old Boot Inn, in the picture perfect village of Stanford Dingley, is here to mop your brow and numb any parental pains. It is the perfect country pub (a bold claim, but true). You’ll find old world charm mixed with modern rustic interiors, sleepy dogs at your feet, great food, PLUS an enclosed garden with a kids’ play tower, oodles of space for your them to let off steam – and goats! There’s also plenty of play for grown-ups too – an outside bar, summer barbie and countryside views to die for. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have here with their brood, too. Who can blame them? oldbootinnstanforddingley.co.uk
The Blackbird, Bagnor
Unless you have very sophisticated kids (er, no) then the chances of eating at a Michelin star restaurant as a family is never gonna happen… until now! The Blackbird in Bagnor, owned by chef Dom Robinson, was awarded a Michelin twinkler this year and has been named one of the UK’s best gastropubs. Inside, The Blackbird has an eccentric vintage vibe, it’s like you’ve taken a detour into your gin-soaked grandma’s living room. The food is phenomenal and there’s a superb kids’ menu of home cooked classics. Its secret weapon, however, is the garden. A large wooden play area will keep your kids occupied while you enjoy your posh nosh in peace and savour one more glass of vino in the sunshine. And on Sundays, they serve sour dough pizzas, courtesy of Paloma Pizzas. It’s a pub that keeps on giving. theblackbird.co.uk
BEDFORDSHIRE
The George Inn, Maulden
The all-weather courtyard at The George Inn in Maulden ticks all the meteorological boxes for al fresco dining. Unexpected torrential rain, we’re ready for you! The restored 16th century pub is just gorgeously styled indoors, and that extends out into the garden – it’s even got an outdoor kitchen and gin bar which serves no less than 45 varieties (take me there immediately!). It’s the perfect events space too – coming up soon is a 1990s festival on 7 July (ready to bust out some moves?), and the pub’s 3rd birthday party on 4th August – expect good food, frivolity and plenty of good clean fun. thegeorgemaulden.com
HAMPSHIRE
The Phoenix Inn, Hartley Wintney
Nestled in the north of Hampshire, close to the pretty little village of Hartley Wintney, is The Phoenix Inn. This historic pub has a beautiful mature garden that’s perfect for chilling in on a sunny day. From its vine-covered patio to wide green lawn space – there’s plenty of room for kids to gad about while you sit quietly and drink G&Ts. The pub also puts out a table with suncream, complimentary lemon water and a big stack of straw hats – nice touch. phoenixinn.co.uk
The Mayflower, Lymington
The Mayflower in Lymington, located right by Lymington river, has a gorgeous outside space and is just a stone’s throw from Lymington Sea Water Baths (so it’s perfect for a cheeky post-swim drink). Here you’ll find a pretty extensive wine menu starting at around £17 a bottle right up to £195 from its fine wine selection, plus a food menu that’s packed with local seafood such as Lymington caught crab. themayflowerlymington.co.uk
The Watership Down Inn, Freefolk
The Watership Down Inn, is set in the heart of the picturesque Test Valley and surrounded on all sides by jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery. As well as boasting an acre of outside space with mature beech trees for shade, a fantastic menu that is packed to the hilt with local produce, it’s also just minutes walk away from the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, making it the perfect pitstop on a summer’s day out in the Hampshire countryside. watershipdowninn.com
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
The Black Boy, Oving
Oving is the chocolate box village chosen to shoot the original Hovis ads, full of gorgeous thatched cottages and grassy verges (and tantalisingly close to Waddesdon Manor if you want to make a detour). There you’ll find The Black Boy, a 16th century pub whose foodie reputation has ebbed and flowed through the years – these days it’s more winning local than wowzers gastropub. The main draw, however, is its stupendously lovely garden with a high terrace and far-reaching views over the Vale. theblackboyoving.co.uk
The Compleat Angler, Marlow
A bucolic setting just by Marlow bridge and bang on the Thames, The Compleat Angler has a great reputation for food, with Sindhu, run by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar is helping out on that front. Alternatively plump for the afternoon tea for scone-based indulgence before taking a post-prandial snooze on the riverside lawn. Brucey bonus – the hotel car park means you don’t have to do battle with the ferocious local traffic wardens. The Compleat Angler
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
The Plough, Fen Ditton
Who needs the River Thames, when you’ve got the gorgeous Cam winding its way through the county’s pretty villages? This smart gastropub certainly makes the most of its riverside views, with a deck, patio and grassy beer garden spanning two acres and overlooking the water. So no elbowing your way to the only free table in the sun here! The best time to visit is during The Bumps, Cambridge’s annual rowing races. Pull up a front row seat, order something delicious from the seasonal menu and wash it all down with one of their special summer cocktails – it’s got to be the Pineapple Daiquiri or the Hendrick’s Summer Punch for us. theploughfenditton.co.uk
The Fort St George, Midsummer Common
Picture this scene – pulling up in your boat on the River Cam outside one of the city’s oldest pubs and settling in the sun for a few hours drinking Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin or Watermelon and Cucumber Spritz in the sun. That’s why The Fort St George gets our vote as one of the best summer pubs in the county – it has visitor’s mooring directly opposite (OK, so you need to get hold of a boat first), a delightful pub garden overlooking the common, a special summer drinks menu and a dizzying array of summer events. Oh, and did we mention, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have given the pub the royal seal of approval? They had lunch here when Kate was first pregnant with George. Maybe she liked it so much she was inspired by the name? The Fort St George
CORNWALL
The Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek
Cornwall’s Muddy Award-winning destination pub is this 13th century inn on the edge of Restronguet Creek, not far from from Falmouth. Housed in a beautiful thatched building by the water – the best part is the pontoon, where the children spend hours happily dangling off the side hauling in crabs (you can pick up crabbing gear in the bar). While the kids are happily entertained, you can sip a glass of something chilled in peace and tuck into a small mountain of fresh Cornish crab meat. You could even be fancy and arrive by boat! If you’re visiting on a weekend, get here early, as parking spots and waterside tables are gold dust. pandorainn.com
St Kew Inn, St Kew
If you want to find a peaceful spot in Cornwall in summer, a rural boozer is your best bet. A short drive inland from the north coast holiday hotspots of Padstow and Rock, is the sleepy village of St Kew. The historic, foodie pub here is worth a visit whatever the weather but the large safe garden makes it particularly appealing in summer. Find a spot on the lawn and nibble on padron peppers and Porthilly oysters, followed by Cornish lobster and ember-baked monkfish, sloshed down with Camel Valley wine or Tarquin’s gin and tonic. Who needs the beach? stkewinn.co.uk
DEVON
The Turf Hotel, Exminster
It’s not the destination that counts, it’s the journey. According to those inspirational quotes on Instagram, anyway. That’s just as well as the only way to get to The Turf Hotel, aka The Turf Locks at Exminster, is by foot, bike, boat or ferry from Trout’s Boatyard in Topsham. The nearest car park is two-thirds of a mile away. Perched on a peninsula between Exeter canal and the Exe estuary, here you can dump the bikes next to a picnic table, let the kids run amok and tuck into one of their regular outdoor summer barbecues, Fowey mussels or fish and chips takeaway-style. It’s one of my favourite summer spots to meet up with friends, chill awhile, watch the sunset out to sea under a rug and down a Pimm’s or a Powderkeg beer. Then it’s back on the bike home. turfpub.net
RUTLAND
The Olive Branch, Oakham, Rutland
This was voted Best Pub in this years Muddy Awards so you know you’re onto a winner. It’s a gorgeous gastropub pub where everything from the food to the service is brilliant, and the location couldn’t be anymore perfect. The front garden is brimming with seasonal blooms and fills up pretty quickly in summer – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a country cocktail inspired by the surroundings – try the Clipsham Cooler. Food is sourced locally including veggies, herbs and salads from their own garden, local farms and speciality butchers. theolivebranchpub.com
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
The Five Alls, Filkins
A lovely place for a summer lunch, as the light floods into the gorgeous bar… The Five Alls is the perfect village pub, promoting local ales (including their own Five Alls house ale), a huge flag-stoned bar, pretty pub garden, fab kids’ menu and food to die for – we’ve got our eyes on the Twice Baked Double Gloucester Soufflé and Salt ‘n’ Pepper Squid. Upstairs you’ll find four super cool rooms, with five more cottage-style bedrooms in the garden – think duck feather duvets, walk-in showers and quirky local artwork. Perfection. Unsurprisingly this is a pretty busy pub at the weekend, so book ahead. thefiveallsfilkins.co.uk
The Prince Albert, Stroud
The Bull, Fairford
A Grade II-listed former coaching inn, The Bull is a glorious sight slap bang on the Market Square in picture-perfect Fairford. Steeped in history, the pub was once a monk’s chanting house, then a posting house complete with stables and then the town’s post office. There is even a secret tunnel running from the pub to the local medieval church. Their 21 designer bedrooms feel luxurious, food is everything from hearty pub classics to fine dining feasts and the traditional vaulted barn, The Bull Room, is ideal for weddings and parties. Great for summer dining, it has a small garden but the jewel in the crown is their private fishing rights to a 1.25 mile stretch of the River Coln, running right through the town. Not an angler? The pub is well situated for local walks, cycling, horse riding, sailing and tennis, and is a great base for Cotswold Water Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Cheltenham Races and Sudeley Castle. thebullhotelfairford.co.uk
The Plough Inn, Cold Aston
Nestled in the small Cotswold village of Cold Aston, The Plough Inn is a true country pub, with a true country pub garden. The three rooms are cute and quirky, produce is local and seasonal, with particular attention paid to animal welfare, while the bar is a gin lover’s heaven. But it is the location that really impresses – Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold, Upper and Lower Slaughter – basically it’s bang in the middle of Cotswolds’ day-trip nirvana. We love the story behind this pub – owners Tom and Josie have been friends since the age of 3 and, after high octane lives in London and New York, the pair returned to work their hospitality and design magic on this gem of a pub – a truly local, warm and welcoming summery gaff. coldastonplough.com
HERTFORDSHIRE
The Bushel and Strike, Ashwell
If you love a good barbecue, The Bushel and Strike in the village of Ashwell, near Baldock, transforms into a veritable honey-pot for carnivores come summer, with a little help from its big brother events company, Barbecue Thirteen. With the pretty 14th century village church as its backdrop, the pub’s spacious, well-kept garden, needs little else as a selling point, but throw some hunks of meat and hot coals into the mix and you’ve got yourself a backyard barbie to rival any trendy street-food haunt. Produce is locally sourced where possible, and these guys mean business. Think flame-kissed whole lamb on the Argentinian Asador, burgers and sausages sizzling on the parilla and marinated veggies smoking on the chapa, (yep, I had to Google all of those, too!) And you can book out the deck for your own private party. bushelandstrike.co.uk
KENT
LEICESTERSHIRE
The Oat Hill, Market Harborough
You wouldn’t guess it from the front, but this stylish pub/restaurant has a really impressive back yard. The small patio area opens up into a gorgeous garden that’s well worth bagging a spot in when the sun’s out. The green area’s so big that the pub even hosts outdoor theatre events. Plus the food’s pretty good too. A straightforward unfussy menu, no stiff service, no table cloths, just modern pub grub – think homemade fish cakes, moules marinière , fancy Korean fried chicken and more – all served in beautiful surroundings. theoathill.co.uk
SUSSEX
The Coach and Horses, Danehill
Boasting large gardens with views of the South Downs, the Coach and Horses at Danehill is perfect for a summer afternoon. A play area will keep children happy and there’s an adults-only terrace for peaceful relaxation in the shade of a huge maple tree. The menu will also encourage you to linger, with locally sourced food to the fore. Moules frites, wild sea bass and a red onion tarte tatin are among typical summery dishes, while heartier options include steaks. Drinks-wise the free house champions Sussex breweries. Weave it into a day trip, riding the vintage trains at nearby Bluebell Railway or visiting the National Trust’s Sheffield Park and Gardens or the Ashdown Forest. The pub also has three suggested circular walks on its website to help you work up an appetite. coachandhorses.co
Shepherd & Dog, Fulking, near Brighton
At the foot of Devil’s Dyke, just north of Brighton, this is the perfect place to relax after a walk or spot of kite flying on the South Downs. Many also work the pub into their bike ride routes. The lower part of the pretty garden is approached over a stream and there’s an alfresco bar further back. When you’re not soaking in those Downs views, duck into the pub itself, which dates back to the 14th century. The catch or pie-of-the-day are among menu staples and there are lighter options like ploughman’s lunches besides. A Gin & Jazz festival and the pub’s annual beer festival with live music and games are among extra reasons to prompt a visit this summer. shepherdanddogpub.co.uk
WARWICKSHIRE
Old Coffee Tavern, Warwick
In a scenic spot between St Mary’s Church and the town square in historic Warwick, The Old Coffee Tavern is the perfect place to gather for summer cocktails, real ales, craft beers, meat cooked over the robata grill or a Sunday Roast. Maintaining its characterful charm from its days as Dale’s coffee house, this friendly local has something of a hipster vibe and welcomes you, day to night, to enjoy the cosiness of a traditional pub or the secret, sun-baked walled terrace. Medieval Warwick Castle is just a short walk away. theoldcoffeetavern
The Red Lion Hunningham, nr Leamington Spa
Winner of Best Destination Pub in the Muddy Stilettos Warwickshire Awards 2019, The Red Lion is in the peaceful village of Hunningham, 3 miles to the north-east of Leamington Spa, with enviable views along the River Leam. The riverside beer garden is unique to the area, showcasing a fantastic outdoor kitchen and making it the ideal location to enjoy a beautiful summer’s day with family and friends. The food is impeccable too. With great walking and cycling routes nearby, it’s the perfect pitstop for a bite to eat. Summer highlights include Bastille Day Fireworks with live music and family entertainment on Sat July 13. redlionhunningham
WILTSHIRE
The Bell, Ramsbury
This gorgeous country pub in the oh-so-delightful village of Ramsbury sits in a picture-perfect spot over the River Kennet. A 300-year old former coaching inn, it has been voted AA Best Pub for the whole of blooming England. But really and truly, it’s the food and the lovely walled garden you come here for. Part of the Ramsbury Estate, they brew their own beer, press their own oils and grow their own veg. Sausages and bacon come from The Bell’s smokehouse, aged beef from the Estate’s heard of cattle, and the lamb is reared right here on the banks of the river. Pretty perfect for summer. thebellramsbury.com
The Old Ale and Coffee House, Salisbury
The Bath Arms, Horningsham
Just had the Mudlets dragging you around Longleat? Suffered enough of monkeys pooing on the car? Then you need to hot-foot it to The Bath Arms, a lovely summery hideaway tucked in the shadow of the safari park, the perfect place to relax and unwind in the sun. It’s a foodie pub but is also a lovely boutique retreat, and the 17 characterful rooms with furniture imported from India are a quirky twist on your typical country pub. The food is locally sourced and seasonal wherever possible – you can even hire their Shepherd Room for private dining for up to 80 guests. But, as it’s summer, we’ll hang out in their gorgeous garden, thank you. batharms.co.uk
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Tap & Kitchen, Oundle
This waterside gem is a bit of London cosmopolitan style in a historic Northamptonshire market town. It’s a buzzing bar where you can catch up with your girlfriends over Mojitos or a dimly lit restaurant ideal for date three. The food is unpretentious, simply cooked with locally sourced ingredients. The menu is changed daily so there’s always a fresh dish to try. The outdoor area looking over the water is perfect for when the sun is shining and the industrial, contemporary building compliments Oundle’s more historic landscapes; you can even walk around the canal for a post-meal stroll. tapandkitchen.com
Brampton Halt, Chapel Brampton
Located on the Brampton Way historic railway line, this countryside beauty is great for sun-soaking and enjoying the summer fun. It has fab views over the lake and always has a good mix of people taking in the scenery; it’s the perfect setting for BBQs, fireworks and family events (even dogs are allowed at the bar so the whole clan can enjoy their events). The extensive menu has decent pub food, but it’s the outdoor space that makes this a winner. So glorious is the al fresco option, the pub even has its own festivals. bramptonhalt.co.uk
OXFORDSHIRE
Jacob’s Inn, Wolvercote
This sprawling gastropub has an excellent modern British menu and a wonderfully quirky garden, complete with battered Chesterfields, table football, deckchairs and little piggies and hens running around. Celeb spotters should keep an eye out for Loose Women‘s Saira Khan – when I rolled up at her nearby house to interview her, we decamped here as it’s her favourite spot. Need to stretch your legs? The pub’s right on the edge of glorious Port Meadow, where you can go for a stroll down to Jericho or paddle in the river. Summertime Oxford at its finest. jacobs-inn.com
The Kings Head Inn, Bledington
SOMERSET
The Old Crown, Kelston
Best Pub in Bath in Bloom 2018 and South West in Bloom 2018 Gold, shall I stop there? The 400-year-old pub just four miles outside Bath in the village of Kelston is ye olde worlde and cosy inside but has a vast and verdant garden out back overlooking the countryside beyond. This is a place to chill out or party. Order drinks at the outdoor bar, shoot the breeze with groups of mates or family, admire the cute little bee house and cosy around the firepit as the sun goes down. Move inside the garden lodge – leather chairs, sheepskin throws, bean bags and a wood-burning stove – if it gets chilly. oldcrownkelston.com
The Lord Poulett Arms, Hinton St George
Game of pétanque anyone? This foodie pub is full of 17th century character – thatched roof, huge inglenooks, flagstones, thick hamstone walls – but with 21st century comfort and style. Outside, the terrace overlooks a French-style garden planted with herbs for the kitchen, a pétanque piste (psst: the boules are stored behind the bar), a burgeoning wild flower meadow and a sandpit for the kids. At the end of the garden, a rare 30ft high pelota wall, once used to play Fives, an ancient ball game thought to be a forerunner of squash brought to England by monks in the 16th century (and incidentally, still played at Eton), will be used for an alfresco film screening this summer. lordpoulettarms.com
SURREY
Stag on the River, Eashing, nr Godalming
This is a gorgeous 18th-century pub right on the River Wey with a patio and garden – and a very relaxing way to while away a lazy afternoon listening to the sounds of whooshing water. It’s just a five minute drive from the A3, in the village of Eashing, and well worth seeking out. Food is fresh and locally sourced where possible. There are also seven stylish rooms if you want to make a weekend of it. stagontherivereashing.co.uk
The White Horse, Hascombe
The White Horse in Hascombe doesn’t do anything by halves, so in addition to having stunning terrace dining, there’s also picnic-style tables in a lush garden setting. And the food, naturally, is top notch – served up by hotshot Surrey chef, Valentino Gentile. There’s also the best selection of wines by the glass that I’ve seen in any pub. Ever! Call in for a bite in the sun, washed down with a cold Sauv Blanc. whitehorsepub.net
With tables out the front overlooking the Englelfield Green as well as a private enclosed garden out the back, you’re spoiled for choice at this charming timber clad village pub. And just a stone’s throw from Great Windsor Park, so it’s the perfect place to pitch up after a Sunday walk. The food is excellent – a mixture of French classics and British faves. barleymowenglefield.com
The Mulberry Inn, Chiddingfold
Family friendly and dog friendly, The Mulberry Inn has something for everyone. There’s an a la carte menu for when you’re feeling fancy, but also a pitstop menu if you want to speed things along a bit, and of course a menu for the kids. There’s even an area for the kids to (mis)behave in in peace while you concentrate on the important stuff like dessert. themulberryinn.co.uk
The Black Horse, Reigate
Just outside Reigate town centre, The Black Horse has a mahoosive garden – part terraced leading to a large grassy area with picnic tables. The attention to detail is lovely; gorgeous woollen throw rugs draped over the backs of the chairs and large plaid cushions angled on the benches. Just outside the door is a large basket of blankets – the perfect way to extend the life of this garden as the cooler evenings draw in. theblackhorsereigate.com
