10 Top Of Beer Gardens

1. The Free Trade Inn
This is the one: either grab a seat at a table in either of their two tiered beer gardens and look up along the river’s sweep toward Newcastle’s quayside and bridges, or loll about on the grassy, sun-baked bank just below. Say hello to Craig David, the pub’s cat, while you’re there too.
St Lawrence Road, Newcastle NE6 1AP
0191 265 5764
www.twitter.com/TheFreeTradeInn

2. The Red Lion
From the raised decking area you’ll see boats bobbing about in the River Aln (or sat on the sand), plus there are weekly new arrivals on the kegs and casks from breweries like Firebrick, Wylam, Cumberland and Roosters.
22 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth NE66 2RJ
01665 830584
www.redlionalnmouth.com

3. The Roundhill Inn
The word ‘vista’ is thrown about with abandon these days, but in our opinion the view from the Roundhill Inn’s garden earns it: look across the action on cricket pitch toward the Round Hill which gives the pub its name and beyond to rolling fields.
75 Clough Lane, Rastrick HD6 3QL
01484 713418 www.roundhillinn.co.uk

4. The George and Dragon
In the beer garden game, there are views and there are views. This is the latter: a frankly stupendous panorama taking in the River Swale and the north-eastern tip of the Dales National Park. Do at least try to keep your jaw off the floor, or you’ll dribble your pint everywhere and embarrass yourself.
Hudswell Lane, Richmond DL11 6BL
01748 518373 www.georgeanddragonhudswell.co.uk

5. The Falcon Tap
While there are a load of excellent beer gardens down by the Ouse, they’ll be so rammed it’ll take three days to get a drink and you’ll have to camp out the night before to get seats – far better to head to this rooftop suntrap terrace and really relax.
94 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
01904 622225 www.thefalcontap.co.uk

6. The Vane Arms
This garden is vast, and it looks out toward the North York Moors. The cast of cask ales and ciders on tap rotates regularly here, but superior brewers of the calibre of Maxim, Ramsbury and Allendale can be relied upon to appear.
Darlington Road, Long Newton, Stockton TS21 1DB
01642 580401
www.thevaneatlongnewton.com

7. The Nook
This quirky little brewhouse is a big favourite with locals, and small wonder when you consider that as well as having been in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for over 35 years, they’ve a riverside patio and beer garden.
34 Victoria Square, Holmfirth HD9 2DN
01484 682373 www.thenookbrewhouse.co.uk

8. The George Hotel
There are views over the River North Tyne as it wends its way toward the meeting of the waters at Warden Rock from the hotel’s very alluringly manicured garden.
Chollerford, Hexham NE46 4EW
01434 681611 www.coastandcountryhotels.com

9. Redondo Beach
Perched on top of this former textile mill – is there any bar in Leeds that isn’t in a former textile mill? – is this chic cocktail bar, with views of Kirkgate Market and the Victoria Quarter.
Headrow House, Bramley’s Yard, Leeds LS1 6PU
0113 245 9370 www.headrowhouse.com

10. The Botanist
Although this is not a traditional beer garden so to speak their rooftop garden is worth a mention none-the-less. Overlooking Grey’s Monument this open air outdoor drinking space is perfect come rain or shine. With huge pot plants, snug garden sheds for over cast days, and picnic tables offering panoramic views of the city, it’s a great place to enjoy a pint.

Monument Mall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7AL
0191 261 6307 www.thebotanist.uk.com/location/newcastle