From the rolling hills of the Peak District and the wild coasts of Wales to the urban villages of London and Glasgow, you’ll find cracking pubs no matter what corner of the UK you choose to visit this Bank Holiday weekend. And as this map shows, you won’t need to travel far to find them.
Even if you choose to avoid travelling, and to stay at home instead, this list will provide you with some of the best pubs on your doorstep. Here’s our Easter roundup of the top UK pubs, bars and beer gardens to visit this long weekend.
The Hollybush, Denford
Virtually on the towpath of the stunning Caldon Canal, The Hollybush Inn is a traditional, friendly pub in an idyllic and relaxing Staffordshire Moorlands setting. The pub claims it doesn’t only offer a “great reputation in award winning ales and fantastic food, but a large canal side beer garden overlooking majestic countryside and farm land and an outdoor play area that children will love.”
Address: The Hollybush, Denford Rd, Leek ST13 7JT
Rose and Crown, Nottage
Enjoy the stunning views of Oxwich Bay as you sip your drink in the hotel’s beer garden, literally just a stone’s throw from the beach. here you’ll find the picture perfect spot to unwind for a refreshing pint or a crisp glass of wine, all while soaking up the beautiful Welsh beachside scenery.
Nestled within eight acres of private grounds at the western end of Oxwich Bay, this hotel and bar offers a great selection of drinks and a menu perfect for a casual lunch or a laid-back afternoon bite.
Address: Heol-Y-Capel, Nottage, Porthcawl CF36 3ST
Ty Coch Inn, Morfa Nefyn
Probably one of the most famous beer gardens in the world, this treasure of a pub is on the beach with access to the pub, either via the National Trust car park or the Golf Club car park. The pub is about a 20 minute walk across the golf course, but it’s worth every step. After your stroll you can then reward yourself with a drink in the beer garden overlooking the sandy beach with views of the mountains. Just be careful walking back.
Address: Porthdinllaen, Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd, LL53 6DB
The White Lion Bar, Clifton
Is there a pub or restaurant in Bristol that offers a better view than The White Lion Bar? Part of the Avon Gorge Hotel in Clifton Village, visitors are treated to an unparalleled vista of the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge as they enjoy their food and drinks.
Open from mid-morning, the White Lion Bar serves modern cuisine as well as a wide variety of tap beers and other drinks.
Address: Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LD
The Fisherman’s Cot, Bickleigh
This stunning country pub at Bickleigh near Tiverton which sits on the banks of the River Exe could be the UK’s most stunning. Enjoy a drink in the beer garden, under the weeping willows, looking towards the bridge that for many years was said to have inspired the Simon and Garfunkel hit Bridge Over Troubled Water. Why not ask the locals whether this legend is true or false?
Address: Bickleigh, Tiverton EX16 8RW
The Hyde Park Pub, Mutley Plain
Independent pub The Hyde Park on Mutley Plain serves huge portions of great food and top quality drinks.
In addition to the homely inside dining area, the pub also has two covered outdoor dining and drinking areas and visitors can choose bar or table service. Wonderful.
Address: 88 Mutley Plain, Mutley, Plymouth PL4 6LG
Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek
Located on the beautiful banks of Restronguet Creek, this 13th-century thatched inn provides a rare setting where the beer garden is actually built upon a pontoon in the water. Visitors can arrive by boat, bike or on foot and enjoy stunning views in a peaceful waterside setting with fresh seafood and an extensive wine list to boot.
Address: Restronguet Hill, Creek, Falmouth TR11 5ST
The Nags Head
This has long been a favourite of locals and visitors from afar, particularly on a gorgeous day. This chocolate box pub has eye-catching ivy curling around the front, low cosy ceilings, a good-sized beer garden with a well, a good selection of real ales, delicious cuisine and a large car park.
Well-behaved children are welcome.
Address: The Nags Head, New Hey Rd, Fixby, Elland, Huddersfield HD2 2EA
Belgrave, city centre
The three-storey building hosts gigs, events and serves pizza, while in the summer months the spectacular roof terrace is hugely popular. With plenty of seating and views across the city, the Belgrave roof terrace soon fills on a sunny Saturday.
Address: 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds LS2 8JP
Sun Inn, Beverley Minster
The inn, which dates from the 1500’s, is widely regarded as the oldest pub in the area, right in front of the famous Beverley Minster. Inside, traditional oak beams and cosy nooks celebrate the tradition of the premises.
Landlords, Paul and Del say they “welcome new visitors to the town as well as our very many regulars.” Hosting live performers from blues through to rock The Sun Inn is said to be the busiest live music pub in the town.
Flemingate, Beverley HU17 ONP
Bar Luga
A place that was very popular when we were in various stages of lockdown limbo during the Covid pandemic, Bar Luga’s terrace can get so warm you’ll feel like you’re abroad as you enjoy a bite to eat and a few drinks.
Address: 35 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6EE
Ducie Street Warehouse
The bar is one of Manchester’s hottest spots, with a popular restaurant, buzzing cafe, a co-working space, and even a gym and a stylish outdoor terrace.
During the day, modern booths, comfy sofas, and lots of light make it a great place to work away the hours. By night you can enjoy a well-deserved cocktail or a simple pint at the outdoor terrace. This hideaway is also known to host DJs and BBQs.
Address: Ducie St, Manchester M1 2TP
The Plough, Fen Ditton
This stylish pub, bar and restaurant offers fine dining, a well thought out drinks menu, and is a “perfect spot to enjoy drinks with friends, a meal for two, or a delicious family roast.”
Nestled in two acres, the expansive beer garden boasts spectacular views over the River Cam.
Address: Green End, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8SX
The Bricklayer’s Arms, Stondon Massey
EssexLive voted the Bricklayers Arms in Stondon Massey the best beer garden in the county. With more than 70 per cent of the vote, the Bricklayers Arms was particularly praised by readers for being family friendly.
The expansive dog-friendly beer garden benefits from a play area for the kids and lots of seating for adults. It also benefits from a lovely pizza stove, adding a unique touch to the food at the pub.
Address: Stondon Massey, Brentwood CM15 0EQ
The Stag on the River, Godalming
This gem of a pub just outside Godalming is set in a picturesque backdrop with a menu highly praised by locals. Dating back to the 17th century it is just off the A3 in the gorgeous Surrey countryside.
Address: Lower Eashing, Eashing, Godalming GU7 2QG
The Old Neptune, Whitstable
One of the most Kent’s most famous pubs, this local treasure has seen high praise from regulars, tourists and celebrities. With a sprawling garden right on the shingles of Whitstable’s beautiful beach, pub gardens don’t get much better than this.
Address: Marine Terrace, Island Wall, Whitstable CT5 1EJ
The Black Lion, Hammersmith
An ‘iconic country pub’ in the heart of the capital, The Black Lion’s beer garden has a welcoming atmosphere, with a cosy fire pit in the garden. The pub is busting with history and quirkiness, including ghost stories and even being home to a world-famous skittle alley.
Known for its impressive wine list, this pub also serves a wide range of food options, inlcuding crispy katsu chicken burger and pan-seared salmon.
Address: 2 S Black Lion Ln, London W6 9TJ
The Elephant Pub and Bakehouse
The Elephant boasts the most impressive beer garden in the south Liverpool suburb of Woolton. Hosting an upcoming Easter Bunny Breakfast for children, this has to be one of the most community focussed of Liverpool locals.
Address: 1 Woolton Street, Woolton, L25 5NH
The Lion in Mosley Street, Basford
Nottinghamshire drinkers voted the beer garden the best in the county in a Nottinghamshire Live poll, despite trams rumbling past and the Basford Garage next door. The main selling point is the attractive garden has a capacity of 250 with decking.
Address: 44 Mosley St, New Basford, Nottingham NG7 7FQ
Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone
This gorgeous pub is nestled near the legendary Monsal Trail which takes hikers across the Peaks. The inn hosts real ales and boasts locally sourced food with a tiered beer garden. The enclosed outdoor seating offers privacy while still being able to enjoy views of the spectacular national park.
Address: Main St, Little Longstone, Bakewell DE45 1NN
Leicester
The Queen of Bradgate
This is one of the most beloved boozers in Leicester, according to locals. With a quirky beer garden and welcoming regulars, it’s easy to understand why this pub has a special place in the hearts of those who choose to visit.
Address: 97 High Street, Leicester, LE1 4JB
Lancashire
The Barn at Moor Hall, Aughton
This barn converted into a casual dining restaurant and bar boasts five acres of uplifting gardens with views over a nearby lake, believed to be the remains of a moat from the Middle Ages.
Prescot Rd, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 6RT
Glasgow
Backyard at BAaD, The Barras
Desked out with colourful street art amongst the shipping containers, towards the east end of the city centre you’ll find BAaD. This trendy city bar is a perfect venue to impress newcomers to Glasgow.
Address: 54 Calton Entry, Glasgow G40 2SB
Edinburgh
Bar 50, Cowgate
Many of the locals are unaware that a pub or even a beer garden is at the end of the Cowgate just off of the Royal Mile. Incredibly this hidden gem includes a beer garden and a terrace.
Address: 50 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NE
Aberdeen
Revolution, city centre
This is probably one of the busier bars located on Belmont Street, and the fact that it has a spacious terrace might have something to do with it. This lively little cocktail bar is offering a bank holiday weekend special of Ibiza sessions, ready to get you right in those summer feels.
Address: 25 Belmont St, Aberdeen AB10 1JS
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