A travel company has named the UK’s best pubs and two in Cornwall have come out on top for their sunny beer gardens and spots to enjoy lunch and drinks with a view
Sizzling summer weather is about to arrive in the UK, which means now is the perfect time to head to the pub.
The UK is set to bask in a sudden mini-heatwave barreling in from the south, with forecasters tempting us with promises of a Caribbean jet stream driving temperatures up to a scorching 26C. New maps from Net Weather show a plume of hot air sweeping across Britain, triggering a 48-hour long burst of summer that will leave multiple areas in the southeast sweltering.
London, Kent and Essex are among those expected to take the brunt of the heat, with temperatures peaking late on Friday, May 30 – and holding into Saturday, May 31. The heat will go far beyond the capital, reaching North Yorkshire, the East Midlands and West Midlands.
Just in time for the mercury bump researchers at holidaycottages.co.uk have scoured Tripadvisor and Untappd ratings to find the best-rated pubs in the parts of the country with the highest number of sunlight hours.
Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery, Cornwall
Hicks Bar, found within St Austell Brewery’s visitor centre and boasting a perfect 5/5 score on TripAdvisor, is situated in an enviable location that averages 4.2 hours of sunshine daily throughout the year.
Besides serving up classic English pub fare, the menu at the pub sprinkles in American crowd-pleasers like pancakes and stacked nachos, complemented by a variety of genuine Cornish pasties.
The Brewing Experience tour will delight even the most discerning beer connoisseur, clear from its high Untappd rating of 3.55, while the Friday night Brewery Beats keeps live music fans coming back for more. Featuring seasonal brews made with international hops, guests can quench their thirst with American and Australian-style beers as well as some of Cornwall’s signature beverage.
The Boathouse in Falmouth, Cornwall
The Boathouse wins hearts with its “sweeping views of the Fal Estuary”, its ever-changing selection of cask ales, mouth-watering seafood, and its effortlessly “laid-back atmosphere”.
The connoisseurs at holidaycottages.co.uk have spoken, and they’ve given The Boathouse in Falmouth a glowing review, noting it has: “Guest beers from Cornwall and beyond, expect a mix of hoppy pale ales, smooth bitters, and the occasional bold stout on tap, leading to it boasting the sixth highest Untappd rating of all the UK pubs ranked. The food menu is seasonal and proudly local: think crab loaded fries, beer-battered fish, and hearty Sunday roasts. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and service runs from lunch through to late evening.”
Rigg and Furrow at Farmhouse Brewery, Acklington, Northumberland
Despite its destination a little further north than others on the list (potentially meaning a little less sun), the Rigg and Furrow is a “hidden gem that’s earned cult status among craft beer lovers”, while boasting plenty of outdoor spaces in which to enjoy the sunshine. Street food vans and pop-ups with options ranging from wood-fired pizza to gourmet burgers are a regular feature.
The Joiners Arms in Bishopston, South Wales
Heasing to this Bishopston boozehole and you won’t just find a fine selection of drinks but a “sun-drenched beer garden” – a perfect place to waste a summer’s afternoon, especially as it welcomes in dogs and children.
“A village gem, this pub is a true local favourite with a fantastic range of drinks, including fruity ciders, crisp lagers and real ales from local breweries,” tempts holidaycottages.co.uk.
The Chemist Inn in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
The Chemist Inn is a watering house that delivers in all sense of the term. Not only does it have a fine selection of beers, its gardens sits above Saundersfoot Bay, delivering lovely views of the sea.
According to Holidaycottages.co.uk: “The coastal path is right on its doorstep and the town centre is just a few minutes’ walk away, while Tenby is just three miles.”
The Cotley Inn in Wambrook, Somerset
This inn has views over Somerset’s “rolling fields,” which can look heart-achingly bucolic on a sunny summer’s day. According to holidaycottages.co.uk: “Behind the bar, you’ll find carefully chosen local ales, crisp ciders and a thoughtfully crafted wine list.” What’s not to like?
The Thatch in Croyde, Devon
Croyde is a truly lovely stretch of the Devonshire coast. It points out into the Atlantic, meaning big waves roll onto its huge stretch of sandy beach. It is located in the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not far from the National Trust run Baggy Point.
“Hearty pub food” and a “sun-drenched” pub garden are two of the reasons it has been named on the top ten list. “It’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the South West Coast Path or catching waves at Croyde Bay and to enjoy the live music,” the holidaycottages.co.uk experts say.
The Commercial Inn in Glossop, Derbyshire
The Commercial Inn is a traditional community pub in the syrupy sounding town of Glossop, sat close to Derbyshire’s Snake Pass, a hill pass in the Peak District. Dogs are welcome inside and out in this pub, where entertainment comes in the form of live music and quizzes. The pub has a 4.8/5 rating on Tripadvisor with a highly tipped selection of ales.
Queen’s Head in Bramfield, Suffolk
This is a “cosy gastropub” that dates back almost 500 years. Not only does it have many of the original features as when it was built, it boats a 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor rating and has a large walled garden. Food is locally sourced and the Queen’s Head is a dog friendly pub.
“It also offers a rotating selection of cask ales and craft beers sourced from local breweries, as well as an impressive cocktail menu. A good pub with great pubs and perfect pints is quintessential to any British history and a beer garden in the sun is the cherry on top,” holidaycottages.co.uk’s expert says.