The best pubs with secret outdoor gardens, picked by Britain's top chefs

Telegraph

05-04-2025

Like a golden wheat field or a vast expanse of ocean, there's something particularly glorious about a British pub when the sun hits. People are more cheerful, the beer, vino and cocktails taste better, and the good times roll a little easier.
In fact, it's surprising just how easy it is to (accidentally or deliberately) lose track of time on a summer's evening or afternoon in a pub garden, surrounded by greenery, clinking glasses and happy chatter. 'One more' always seems like the best idea in the world.
With blue skies and warm weather back again (thank the Lord) after a long, grey, cold winter, it's definitely 'beer garden o'clock'. And who better to recommend their favourite pubs for enjoying the sunshine than 10 of Britain's best chefs, including Tom Kerridge, Raymond Blanc and Sally Abé?
Here are 10 fantastic pubs with outdoor gardens, each offering something a little different, from views of the Thames to marauding stags – all with top-notch food worth travelling for.
The Wild Rabbit, Oxfordshire, England, OX7 6YA
Sitting in the pretty Cotswolds village of Kingham in Chipping Norton, The Wild Rabbit was built in the 17 th century, its original name Conygree Farm meaning 'rabbit enclosure'. There's nothing hutch-like about the Grade II-listed pub these days, with Lady Bamford overseeing a modern British inn with rustic charms (exposed beams, comfy nooks, a roaring doubled-sided fireplace…). The serene outdoor garden has a terraced courtyard with views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside and a wood-fired oven in the Chicken Shed that's ideal for parties or private dinners.
'I often stray to The Wild Rabbit,' says Raymond Blanc, Chef Patron of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire. 'It has huge character and a great ambience. My partner, Natalia, and I try to meet up with friends to catch up over a convivial lunch. There's a glow about the place. The service has always been thoughtful, kind and very hospitable. It has an interesting menu that has great provenance. My traditional Sunday roast of choice is the Roast Paddock Farm pork loin, stuffing and apple sauce, with a delicious Yorkshire pudding.'
The Crabtree, Fulham, London, England, W6 9HA
The Crabtree sits on the banks of the Thames in a quiet stretch between Hammersmith and Putney bridges, a popular spot for watching the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, which takes place next weekend, and enjoying memorable sunsets. The building dates back to the 18th century, with classic Georgian architecture and a whitewashed facade. Inside and out, you can tuck into classic pub meals, including fish and chips, cheeseburgers, steaks or the Pie of the Day. The outdoor garden's a real highlight: a large riverside terrace with trees and colourful flowers, comfy seating and panoramic views of the river.
'The Crabtree's a firm favourite of mine,' says Sally Abé, chef at The Pem restaurant in Westminster, London. 'They have the best beer garden in the area, with gorgeous seating along the riverside. It's also the perfect spot to watch the rugby. They win extra points for serving frozen margaritas on tap and having bottles of Bollinger at a very reasonable price. Their Sunday Roasts aren't bad either. It's a very lovely pub.'
The Ship Inn, Elie, Fife, Scotland, KY9 1DT
The Ship Inn, in the coastal village of Elie in Fife, is one of Scotland's most iconic pubs, famous for excellent views over Elie Bay from the pub and outdoor garden, with ample opportunities for pre- or post-pub meal coastal walks or beach wanders. Cullen Skink, haddock and chips, trout, pork schnitzel and burgers are all on the menu, and there's a beach-side barbecue on warmer days. 'The Ship Inn's location right on the water, with incredible views across the Firth, is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal after a walk with the kids along the beach, or some crabbing at the harbour,' says Dean Banks, chef and owner of Haar in St Andrews.
'With a laid-back atmosphere, they nail the balance between a seaside pub and a restaurant with a serious food offering. The menu showcases fantastic local seafood, and you can enjoy it all from their terrace, while watching the sunset in the summer. Plus, they're dog-friendly - a must for any great pub in my book.'
The Star Inn, Yorkshire, England, YO62 5JE
Pubs don't come much more characterful than The Star Inn in the village of Harome, near Helmsley, in North Yorkshire, a Grade II-listed building, with whitewashed exterior and a thatched roof. Chef Andrew Pern took over in 1996, bringing in modern Yorkshire cuisine, including a seven-course tasting menu, and more casual fare, including black treacle-glazed beef, venison, poussin and halibut. The inn recently retained a Michelin star for its 11 th consecutive year.
'Andrew Pern's pub is in a beautiful setting,' says Tom Kerridge, owner of The Hand And Flowers in Marlow, the only pub in the UK with two Michelin-stars. 'His food's outstanding, but also really honed to the incredible surroundings, where drinks and food can be enjoyed in their amazing outdoor space. The thatched 14th-century inn has a charming, rustic feel, and the garden's just as special, with step-over apple trees, fragrant kitchen herbs, and striking moon-gazing hare sculptures by Whitby artist Emma Stothard. There's great service, and once you've eaten everything, it's perfect for a countryside walk. In the summer, the outdoor bar adds to the relaxed atmosphere, making it a fantastic spot to soak in the surroundings.'
The Gunton Arms, Norfolk, England, NR11 8TZ
'As someone who's lived abroad for many years, I can say that no one does a pub quite like the British,' says chef Kate Austen, who's currently working as a private chef in London. The Gunton Arms is proof of that. Just a few miles from the North Norfolk coast, Gunton's a 1,000-acre deer park, established in the 18th century, with sprawling parkland, ancient woodlands and a lake. The Gunton Arms occupies what was previously the gamekeeper's lodge. On summer days, you'll want to be out in the beer garden, taking in views of the estate and deer wandering past. Just don't get too attached - there's venison from the park on the menu, chef Stuart Tattersall's team cooking deer and beef over the open fire in the Elk Room, though there are also vegetarian and vegan menus.
'The Gunton Arms encapsulates that comforting and nostalgic pub feeling, with a pint that tastes better than anywhere else, especially when perched in their garden,' says Austen. 'Antlers sloping past is very much part of the package. Be sure not to overlook the art as you watch your step on the stony floor or wander round the park. There are pieces and sculptures from the likes of Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Sol Le Witt and Dan Graham, to name a few.'
The Heathcock, Cardiff, Wales, CF5 2EN
Llandaff, a quiet suburb in the north of Cardiff, is known for its 12th-century cathedral and other historic buildings. The Heathcock has been knocking around for a fair while too, providing refreshment for locals for more than 100 years. Today, the elegant, whitewashed pub draws on produce from across the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff for the restaurant's daily tasting menu and substantial pub dishes, including hake, pork belly, lamb, and pheasant, ham hock and leek pie. Behind the pub, there's a spacious garden for whiling away summer afternoons and evenings, complete with a fragrant herb garden.
'The Heathcock's garden is a bit of a sun trap,' says Tom Waters, chef and founder of Gorse in Cardiff. 'Sunday evening is the best time to visit, as the sun's drawing in and you can sit in the garden, which is very green and surrounded by lots of the kitchen produce, which is grown there. It's a great 'independent', with outdoor seating, local Welsh cask beers and fantastic bar snacks. I particularly enjoy the Glamorgan pale ale partnered with a little homemade sausage roll. They often have live music in the evenings too, which creates a great atmosphere.'
The Three Fishes, Mitton, Lancashire, England, BB7 9PQ
The Ribble Valley has plenty to explore, including charming villages and market towns, rolling hills, green valleys and forest. But the area is also renowned as a haven for foodies – the Valley's been called 'the UK's capital of gastropubs'. The Three Fishes, in the village of Mitton, is helmed by Chef Patron Nigel Haworth, who worked for over 30 years at the acclaimed Northcote restaurant, earning it a Michelin star. 'Nigel's transformed this destination pub-restaurant into a hub of culinary excellence,' says Atul Kochhar, owner and chef of Kanishka in Mayfair, London. 'His two-acre organic garden offers a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are used in the restaurant. I have great admiration for his spontaneous approach to menus, which always showcases the freshest ingredients straight from the garden. He has ever-changing seasonal dishes - you never know what will be on the menu.'
As well as a five or seven course Farm To Fork tasting menus, the main Choice menu offers deer, cod, beef, and celeriac and Shittake lasagne, while there's also a dedicated Plant-Based menu. The pub's exquisite beer garden has plenty of spots to eat, drink and take in the Ribble Valley scenery, perhaps plotting your next walk to work off all the grub.
The Parson's Nose, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT26 6AB
Just over 10 miles out of Belfast, The Parson's Nose was originally built by the Marquis of Downshire in the late 1700s, in the village of Hillsborough, in County Down. Now, chef Danny Millar serves up refined pub meals inside and in the tranquil beer garden, including fish and chips, duck, chicken supreme, lamb and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. 'The Parson's Nose in Hillsborough, close to Belfast, is where I go with my family,' says Michael Deane, chef and owner of mrDeanes Bistro.
'Originally an elegant Georgina townhouse, it retains its historic charm. Both the pub and its clientele reflect the gentile vibe of the village. Outside, there's a beer garden overlooking Hillsborough Castle lake. The castle's the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Royal Family on their visits. A splendid old oak tree also gives welcome shade on a sunny day.'
The Ship Inn, Porthleven, Cornwall, England, TR13 9JS
The Ship Inn, in the Cornish fishing village of Porthleven, is a 17th century building, which originally served as a fishermen's rest before becoming a pub. It looks out over one of the UK's most attractive harbours. It's no surprise that they do a fine fish and chips, alongside sole, red mullet, steak burgers, and Korean beef BBQ noodles. The unique terraced beer garden has four levels where locals and visitors can enjoy the sea air and views, one with a heated gazebo and two with wooden decking and seating built into the cliffside above the pub, next to a rocky sloping garden bursting with seasonal flowers and herbs used in the kitchen.
The Crows Nest provides panoramic views of the harbour, fishing village and clock tower. 'I've been going to my good old local The Ship Inn for the last 22 years,' says Jude Kereama, chef and owner of Kota in Cornwall. 'Perched right on the edge of Porthleven's harbour, it's got that proper old Cornish smugglers' pub feel, with sea shanty singers, lively local events, and a pop-up downstairs bar for extra summer vibes. The terrace and picnic tables sit right on the harbour's edge, giving you front-row seats to watch boats passing by. Whether it's sunshine or sea breeze, this is the spot to kick back-Cornish-style.'
The Bonnie Badger, Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland, EH31 2AB
Chef Tom Kitchin and his partner Michaela have taken an old coaching inn, dating from 1836, and transformed it into a destination pub and restaurant in the Scottish coastal village of Gullane, East Lothian, around a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, in an area with more than 20 golf courses. The Broc Bar serves hearty pub grub, including fish pie, steak pie and bone marrow, and beef sausage with mash, while diners in the cosy, outdoor garden can tuck into fresh-off-the-grill seafood (lobster, scallops, octopus…) and Highland Wagyu beef burgers, the patio area decked out with potted plants.
'The Bonnie Badger in Gullane is fitted out beautifully and they have a kitchen outside, where they barbecue lots of meat and shellfish,' says Roberta Hall-McCarron, executive chef and owner of The Little Chartroom in Edinburgh. 'It's the perfect way to spend a summer's day. The atmosphere on a busy Bank Holiday weekend is electric, and on a quieter day, it's so relaxing. It's a great place to go with the entire family, as they're so child-friendly.'