The problems and stresses of daily life don’t necessarily ‘disappear’ when you’re in a British pub’s beer garden. But they do have a tendency to feel very, very far way, especially when the sun’s shining, a heaped plate of first-class pub grub is placed in front of you, and you have a pint of ale or a chilled glass of vino in your hand.
The summer’s a great time for getting out and about, whether it’s wildlife-spotting, countryside walks or exploring historic sites across the UK, with no shortage of fantastic pubs with beer gardens and terraces to ‘refuel’ and relax in afterwards - perfect for whiling away an afternoon or evening.
Here, 10 of the best chefs working across the UK today, including Raymond Blanc, Simon Rogan and Lisa Goodwin-Allen, select their favourite pubs for outstanding food and drink, with outdoor spaces for enjoying the summer sunshine…
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Best British pub gardens
The Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor, Oxfordshire
Summer days were made for spending time in places like The Sir Charles Napier, an acclaimed gastropub in the village of Spriggs Alley in the Chiltern Hills. Surrounded by woodland and rolling farmland, the building’s been here since the early 19th century, the owners keeping the step-back-in-time feel with red-brick walls and exposed wooden beams. The menu offers refined dishes, such as crab on pea mousse, with Sunday roasts (Hereford beef, Tamworth pork…) a major reason for visiting and Rebellion beers, brewed in nearby Marlow, on tap.
Outside, there’s an elegant, vine-covered terrace for dining that leads onto a sprawling English garden, complete with large sculptures (bear, gorilla, human torso…).
The pub’s a firm favourite for French chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Chef Patron of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, which has two Michelin stars. “I’ve known The Sir Charles Napier for more than 35 years, and I always find both the pub and food offer extraordinary quality,” says Blanc. “It’s ideal for families, as it has wonderful gardens for kids. Julie Griffiths - a good friend - is on the floor every day ensuring guests are well looked after. I’d encourage every family to come and discover this jewel of a pub in the Oxfordshire countryside.”
There are hiking and cycling options across the Chilterns, including the 87-mile Ridgeway National Trail. Steam engine enthusiasts will also enjoy the nearby Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway.
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
“The good thing about being in the Lakes is you can step out of your front door and be in an amazing landscape pretty much instantly,” says chef Simon Rogan. “But when you venture off the beaten track to Cumbria’s eastern valleys, you’ll find some real gems, like The Black Bull. It’s an ideal spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet drink.”
A pioneer of the UK’s farm-to-fork movement, Rogan’s the chef and co-owner of the Lake District restaurant L’Enclume, which has three Michelin stars, with other businesses in England and abroad.
His pub-of-choice, The Black Bull occupies a 17th-century coaching inn on the main street in Sedbergh, situated between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Chef-owner Nina Matsunaga serves up seasonal, local produce with European and Asian elements inspired by her German and Japanese heritage, such as Herdwick lamb loin, kimchi and cauliflower. The pub also sells their own Sed’Beer golden ale, Landbier Helles lager and Chatterbox Session IPA, brewed locally by Fell Brewery in Flookburgh.
There’s a festival vibe to the outdoor space, with tables under pergolas and views of Winder, one of the Howgill Fells. “The beer garden, The Meadow, offers breathtaking fell views - it’s a sun trap with plenty of space to relax,” says Rogan. “There’s also an outdoor kitchen and bar, The Stables, serving delicious BBQ dishes, pizzas, chilled wines, and local beers.”
The surrounding area has memorable walks, including Howgill Fells’ highest point The Calf and Cautley Spout waterfall, as well as sections of the 80-mile Dales Way.
The Taybank, Dunkel, Perth and Kinross
Pub locations don’t get much better than this. Occupying a 19th century building, The Taybank sits on the northern bank of the River Tay in Perthshire town of Dunkeld, with one of the largest beer gardens in Perthshire, overlooking the river, Scottish engineer Thomas Telford’s Dunkeld Bridge and Birnam Hill - you could arrive by kayak, paddleboard or canoe, if you wanted. With long wooden tables and a Garden Kitchen serving hand-stretched pizzas and sharing plates, the south-facing outdoor area gets sun all day, making it popular in summer.
Glasgow chef Julie Lin’s one of many who like to relax in The Taybank’s garden. As well as opening restaurants, including Ga Ga, Lin appears regularly on TV (including an episode of BBC Countryfile with Dame Judi Dench), and she’s just published a new cookery book Sama Sama.
“The Taybank’s one of my favourite pubs,” says Lin. “Sitting right by the river in Dunkeld after a big long walk, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and the pints taste better. Overlooking the River Tay is just dreamy. I always feel properly looked after there, and the food has a rustic, soulful charm that hits the spot every time. Their game pie with piccalilli is the dream combo - rich, flaky, comforting pie paired with that sharp, tangy hit of piccalilli”.
Dunkeld Cathedral and the town’s Birnam Oak tree are good spots to check out. There are also gentle walking trails along the River Tay - keep an eye out for red squirrels. Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, a short drive away, is also worth a visit - as long as you have a designated driver.
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
Despite the name, The Cornish Arms is actually in Devon, in the historic town of Tavistock, right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, with the South Devon coast just 20 minutes away. The building was previously the last coaching inn before travellers hit Cornwall.
“I’m a huge fan of The Cornish Arms,” says chef Paul Ainsworth, founder of The Ainsworth Collection, which includes the Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 in Padstow. “John Hooker and his wife Emma serve delicious, unpretentious food that celebrates everything wonderful about the south-west. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a gem on our doorstep. Spending a sunny afternoon in the pub garden feels like pure heaven.”
The elegant garden terrace has open snugs, round wooden tables, and flower-filled planters, much of the space covered with a stretch tent, a lack of views compensated by St Austell beers and terrific food. “They do a great oak-smoked haddock omelette with parmesan and chives, which is a favourite of mine,” says Ainsworth. “My daughter Cici loves their sticky toffee pudding with caramelised banana - she orders it every time.”
Tavistock Abbey and Tavistock Canal are good ways to spend time in the town itself, while Dartmoor National Park is great for hiking and cycling (the 21.3-mile Drake’s Trail starts and ends in Tavistock), horse-riding, canoeing and wild camping.
The Fat Badger, York
York’s changed hands many times during its long history. But whether it was the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons or the Vikings that were living here at the time, you can bet none of them had a boozer quite as appealing as The Fat Badger.
Housed in a Grade II-listed building dating back to the 18th century, it’s the pub of choice for Ahmed Abdalla, head chef of Legacy fine dining restaurant at The Grand, a 5-star hotel in York, who also featured in the most recent series of Great British Menu.
“The Fat Badger’s my favourite pub in Yorkshire,” says Abdalla. “It has an old-world setting. But when you step inside, it’s got a quirky, cool vibe, and I love the transition.”
The large tucked-away garden terrace, ‘hidden’ within York’s historic city walls, has views of York Minster. “The garden’s the perfect destination for sunny days,” says Abdalla. “It’s a bit away from the madness of the city centre - you feel like you’re in your own oasis.”
As well as real ales from around York and “a gin list as long as your arm”, the pub offers hearty fare, including their Badger Beef Burger with smoked Applewood cheese, streaky bacon and chipotle mayo. “Portion sizes are not shy,” says Abdalla. “The food’s Yorkshire to a T, with plates packed with great flavour. Some standouts, like the fish and “proper chips” or the ox cheek, are a must.”
If you do manage to drag yourself away, there’s plenty to explore in York, including York Minster, The Shambles, the National Railway Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. You can also walk around the historic city walls.
The Glengower, Aberystwyth
The Glengower sits on the seafront promenade of Aberystwyth, a stone’s throw from the beach, with memorable views over Cardigan Bay. In the summer months, everyone wants to get one of the tables at the front, the pub’s spacious west-facing terrace a prime spot to enjoy sunshine and sunsets with a sea breeze.
“The Glengower’s my favourite local pub,” says Gareth Ward, head chef and co-owner of Ynyshir, the uncompromising, two Michelin-starred restaurant in Eglwys Fach, Ceredigion. “It’s a cracking little spot with a ‘beer beach’ or sun terrace, instead of a beer garden. The view from the front is next-level. You can see the iconic Aberystwyth Pier and Constitution Hill with a pint in-hand. It has a real, homely feel inside. The walls are covered in photographs of Aberystwyth’s past, there are huge rugs everywhere and they have a blazing central log-burner.”
The menu focuses on Welsh produce, including beef and lamb, with seafood from Cardigan Bay and Welsh cheeses. As well as local ales and ciders, you can find Welsh whiskies, such as Penderyn. “If you’re a whisky lover, this place has a mad offering for a pub,” says Ward. “The whisky list must be around six pages long. Get yourself to the Glen, and if you see me, I’ll have a Guinness, please.”
History lovers will likely want to visit Aberystwyth Castle and nearby Pen Dinas Hill Fort, and to ride on the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway. There are also coastal walks, beaches on either side of the town, and boat trips from New Quay, down the coast, with chances of seeing dolphins, seals and seabirds.
The Jolly Sportsman, Lewes, East Sussex
The Jolly Sportsman’s tucked away on the eastern side of the South Downs National Park, in the picturesque village of East Chiltington. Established in the 19th century as a coaching inn, the pub’s kept its traditional rustic charm and inviting atmosphere, while putting together a creative menu to draw in serious foodies like chef and restaurateur Ellen Chew, founder of the Chew On This group, which includes Singapulah in London.
“I don’t regularly visit pubs, but when I do it has to be a place that serves great food, especially Sunday roasts,” says Chew. “The Jolly Sportsman in Lewes is a pub my partner and I enjoy visiting whenever we’re down south. It has an ever-changing menu of locally-sourced produce, so there’s never a dull moment when it comes to food options.”
Those options range from BBQ leeks and softshell crab sliders to Sunday roasts, with the Jolly team also baking their own bread, making their own ice cream and foraging for wild garlic, used in dishes, such as wild garlic and asparagus. “They carry a fantastic wine selection, which is great for my partner, and it’s dog-friendly. On warmer days, they have a large, beautiful garden for us to soak in the sun, with ample space for our dog to explore.” The relaxing garden has views across fields and woodlands.
There are numerous walking trails on the eastern side of the South Downs National Park, including the Seven Sisters coastal walk. Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum are a few miles from the pub, with Glyndebourne, home of the famous opera house, further east.
The Parson’s Nose, Hillsborough, County Down
“A great all-rounder for pub grub and a good pint” is how Stevie McCarry describes The Parson’s Nose in the County Down village of Hillsborough. McCarry’s the head chef and co-owner of Lir in Coleraine, County Londonderry, a seafood-focused restaurant based giving traditional Irish recipes with a modern twist. He also represented Northern Ireland on Great British Menu.
The Parson’s Nose, is housed in a building from the late 1700s, the former home of the Marquis of Downshire. Chef Danny Millar dishes up tasty fish and chips, chicken supreme, duck and lamb, with Maggie’s Leap IPA, brewed by Whitewater Brewery in nearby Castlewellan, on at the bar. The spacious garden looks out over the lake inside the grounds of Hillsborough Castle.
“The Parson’s Nose stands out as an amazing spot for pub grub in Northern Ireland due to its blend of traditional charm and honest cooking,” says McCarry. “Situated inside a stunning Georgian townhouse, its menu features seasonal ingredients, using everything from dry-aged steaks to fresh seafood. They even do wood-fired pizza, which is awesome to have in their outdoor area. The food’s like the location: warm and inviting. It is simply elevated pub grub done well.”
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens makes a relaxing day out, and nearby Hillsborough Forest Park has peaceful trails across the 200-acre site, with a castle-themed playground for kids.
The Parkers Arms, Newton-In-Bowland, Lancashire
Lancashire’s quietly earned a reputation as a premier foodie hotspot, from Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to pub grub. “One of my favourite pubs is The Parkers Arms in Newton-In-Bowland, near Clitheroe,” says Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at the Michelin-starred Northcote restaurant and hotel in Lancashire, who also appears regularly on TV, including James Martin’s Saturday Morning and as a veteran judge on Great British Menu. “It combines the warmth of a traditional country setting with exceptional food. The location’s stunning too, with incredible views.”
The rural country inn’s set amid the the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with chef-patron Stosie Madi making good use of produce from local farms and gardens, not least with their award-winning famous curried mutton pie, as featured on The Hairy Bikes Go North. The pub also has local ales from nearby Bowland Brewery, including the popular The Pheasant Plucker.
Inside, the cosy pub has with wooden floors and warming fires, while outside picnic tables are set on vast lawns overlooking Waddy Fell. “The team and atmosphere’s so welcoming - it genuinely feels like home,” says Goodwin-Allen. “Stosi’s cooking is second-to-none. It’s a place where you can enjoy great food and true Lancashire hospitality.”
Red deer and numerous bird species (curlew, golden plover, lapwings…) live in the surrounding area, with the Forest Of Bowland offering walks, from easy riverside strolls to challenging fell hikes. The historic market town of Clitheroe and the picturesque village of Chipping are also worth exploring.
The Old Inn, Isle of Skye
“My favourite local pub is The Old Inn at Carbost on the Isle of Skye,” says Scottish chef Calum Munro. The son of Runrig’s lead singer Donnie Munro, the Scottish chef creates ‘hits’ of a different kind, the dishes at his fine dining restaurant Scorrybreac, above the harbour in Skye’s capital, Portree, drawing on his love for foraging and local produce. Munro’s also appeared on Great British Menu.
His pub of choice, The Old Inn, has a hard-to-beat location. “It’s a stone’s throw away from Talisker distillery, and sits right on the shoreline, with views out over Loch Harport and back towards the rugged Black Cuillin hills.”
Inside, the characterful pub has exposed stone walls, with real ales flowing, including the local Skye Ale range. “The Old Inn has great food, too, using local produce, including mackerel and langoustines caught fresh every day from the loch it overlooks,” says Munro. “They also do a mean Sunday roast, which is why I tend to visit: Highland beef, pork, or veggie haggis, accompanied by all the usual trimmings. Sitting out at the front looking over the water with a pint is something really quite special. If you want to experience some Highland culture while you’re visiting, the pub also has traditional music sessions most Sundays. Pair that with a dram or two of local Talisker whisky and you’re in for a true taste of Skye. There’s a hostel conveniently located next door if you end up staying until the wee hours.”
The Talisker distillery’s a big reason why many tourists head out this way. But the area around Carbost has plenty for outdoor enthusiasts, including the sweeping Talisker Beach and its impressive sea stack, and a hike up to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools, while Glenbrittle forest has superb mountain biking trails.
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