22 Beer Gardens and Outdoor Drinking Spots in the North East
Enjoy a cold pint at these North East pubs and bars
We've rounded up some of the best places to quench your thirst in the heat in South Shields, Newcastle, Gateshead, County Durham, Northumberland and more.
The Beehive
In view of St. Mary’s Island and the golden sands of Whitley Bay, this Grade II-listed pub with low wooden beams and a charming snug also has a secret garden with plenty of tables for sipping in the sun. Renowned as a sun trap closed off from the rest of the world, enjoy pub grub favourites outside after a day on the sand.
Hartley Lane, Earsdon NE25 0SZ
0191 252 9352
beehiveearsdon.co.uk
The Scruffy Duck
The Scruffy Duck is a quintessentially British pub with heaps of character in the heart of Norton. Serving traditional locally-sourced food and an extensive wine list, it’s a favourite for locals. Their modern beer garden has plenty of outdoor heaters to keep you warm later in the evening.
3 High Street, Norton TS20 1AH
01642 551550
thescruffyduck.co.uk
ABOVE
On the roof of Newcastle’s Vermont Hotel, this rooftop bar offers 360-degree views of the city and is the perfect location for cocktails in the sun or afternoon tea. Their extensive drinks list includes a range of wines, spirits, beers and classic or signature cocktails.
Lower Dean Street, Newcastle NE1 3JE
0191 233 3734
abovenewcastle.com
By The River Brew Co.
Under the iconic Tyne Bridge, this popular Gateshead location is perfect for sunshine sipping. The Brewery and Tap Terrace serve their own beers by keg and cask, as well as other well-known UK craft beers, wines and spirits. At weekends, sample the delightful street food from the Hawker Market vendors, or pick up a coffee from the Backyard Bikeshop.
Hillgate Quays, Gateshead NE8 2FD
bytheriverbrew.co
The Ox Inn
As well as picnic tables at the front of the the pub, this compact country inn has a hidden beer garden which is larger than the pub itself (head out of the pub and turn left to find it). It’s a real sun trap, and on sunny weekends the barbecue is often lit up here, so you can enjoy some quality food cooked over fire as you soak up the sun.
Middleton, Morpeth NE61 4QZ
01670 772634
facebook.com/theoxinnmiddleton
Lord Crewe Bamburgh
Perfect for a cooling spritzer as you come off the beach, this newly refurbished hotel with rooms in the heart of Bamburgh village has a pretty (dog-friendly) beer garden tucked away at the side where you can enjoy a welcome cold pint or glass of wine from their extensive real ale, cocktail and wine lists.
Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7BL
01668 214243
lord-crewe.co.uk
The Olde Ship Seahouses
Dating back to 1812 and packed with maritime memorabilia, this popular seaside pub’s outdoor (dog-friendly) terrace has recently undergone a makeover. Overlooking the busy Seahouses harbour it’s a great place to relax on a summer’s evening, and should the breeze be a little too stiff, there’s new conservatory space to shelter in which shares the same stunning sea views. You can order from the comprehensive bar menu to eat outside too.
Main Street, Seahouses NE68 7RD
01665 720200
theoldeship.co.uk
Gino D’Acampo Quayside
In partnership with INNSiDE By Melia, Gino D’Acampo’s Quayside restaurant offers real servings of Italian food including everything from pizza and pasta to main dishes like sea bass and pork belly. The large contemporary terrace overlooking the iconic River Tyne is where you’ll find us – perhaps sipping on one of Gino’s signature cocktails.
River View, Newcastle NE1 3BE
0191 933 6994
ginodacampohotelsandleisure.com
Lion & Lamb
In the little village of Horsley on the eastern edge of the Tyne Valley, this cosy old stone pub has flagged floors and beamed ceilings inside, but they also have a great south-facing patio and huge garden with the added benefit of climbing frames to keep the kids happy as you sip in the sun. Under new management the menu contains many of your favourite pub classics alongside a range of delicious daily specials.
Horsley, Newcastle NE15 0NS
01661 852952
lionlamb.pub
The Brandling Arms
It’s not always easy to find a good outdoor terrace in a busy, built-up area, but set back from the bustling Gosforth High Street, this popular local is packed with quirky charm. Its sheltered outdoor terrace has recently undergone a refurb and is now a super-smart space to enjoy their expansive and unusual drinks menu.
High Street, Gosforth NE3 1HD
0191 285 4023
thebrandlingarmsgosforth.co.uk
The Ship’s Cat
Perfect for catching the sea breeze on a sweltering day, this busy bar, complete with fairy lights and plenty of outdoor tables (which are bookable) serves craft beer alongside a good range of wines and cocktails and there’s a popular menu serving everything from seafood platters to towering burgers, and lots of vegan and vegetarian options too.
Union Road, Tanner’s Bank North Shields NE30 1JH
0191 257 7507
theshipscat.com
South Causey Inn
In the heart of the Beamish Valley, this quirky inn has an expansive beer garden with a unique converted, now state-of-the-art 1960s Fire Engine bar with heated private booths for cocktails, home-distilled gins and snacks from the Chefs Menu. With a generous covered area, and outdoor space for catching the rays, this is possibly the quirkiest cocktail bar in County Durham.
Beamish Burn Road, Stanley DH9 0LS
01207 235555
southcausey.co.uk
Roof Thirty Nine
Enjoy al fresco dining and terrace drinks on a whole new level at Roof Thirty Nine at Fenwick. Sit back and relax with bespoke cocktails created by Hepple Spirits’ Nick Strangeway and muddled with their own homegrown botanicals, or toast with a glass of Prosecco or a chilled glass of wine. If you’re feeling peckish, order breakfast, lunch, evening dishes or small plates from the seasonal menu.
39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle NE1 7AS
fenwick.co.uk
Adam and Eve
This neighbourhood public house offers local farm-to-table inspired food and creative cocktails in the heart of Northumberland, and their spacious garden has plenty of tables with festoon lighting and outdoor heat lamps to keep you warm even on chillier evenings. With locally-sourced spirits, draft beers and specially selected wines, as well as a number of soft drinks, you’ll want to stay a while here.
3 Clayport Street, Alnwick NE66 1LA
adamandevealnwick.co.uk
The Turks Head
This traditional pub in the heart of Rothbury is a great stop-off if you’re exploring the area. From the bustling town at the front of the pub, you can escape to the large, sloping beer garden at the rear and soak up the sun with a pint of well-kept ale.
Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7TE
01669 620434
turksheadrothbury.co.uk
The Seaview Restaurant
Enjoy Saltburn’s long stretch of golden sands, dramatic cliffs and the historic Victorian pier whilst tucking into exceptional seafood or simply sipping on a glass of wine. The open-air terrace at The Seaview Restaurant has fantastic views over the beach and when the weather is fine, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday – the extensive wine list might help with that too.
The Foreshore Building, Lower Promenade, Saltburn TS12 1HQ
01287 236015
theseaviewrestaurant.co.uk
The Bay Horse
If you enjoy sophisticated country pubs where the food is top notch, the wine list is well above average and the beers are just right, then be sure to back this horse. The beautiful walled garden is the place to be to catch some rays while catching up, and in the evening the fire pits are lit and blankets shared out so you can carry on the al fresco experience.
45 The Green, Hurworth DL2 2AA
01325 720663
thebayhorsehurworth.com
Banyan Bar and Kitchen
Overlooking Grey’s Monument, Banyan’s outdoor terrace is ideal for those who love to enjoy a refreshing drink whilst watching the world go by. With two-for-one cocktails all day throughout the week and from 5pm on Saturdays, it would be rude not to – try the Mango Margarita for a true taste of summer, or the Pacific Punch for something a little different. Plus, their food is delicious too.
3 Monument Mall, Newcastle NE1 7AL
0191 814 7478
banyanbar.co.uk
Half Moon Durham
This traditional, award-winning city local has stayed true to its roots and there’s all sorts of interesting features within the Grade-I listed Tudor building (it’s where they filmed TV’s George Gently enjoying a pint), whilst the pub has also featured in the Good Beer Guide for 30 years running. In summer, you can take your pint out to the picturesque riverside courtyard and soak up great views of Durham’s majestic cathedral.
86 New Elvet, Durham DH1 3AQ
0191 374 1918
thehalfmoondurham.co.uk
The Palm
A tropical oasis filled with cafés, late night bars, restaurants and tropical gardens, The Palm is the perfect place for those wanting a bit of everything. From tapas to steak, and their very own beach hang-out, there is something for everyone here. Why not escape to the hidden terrace? It’s the ultimate sun trap for al fresco drinks.
Timber Beach Road, Sunderland SR5 3XG
0191 516 9009
discoverthepalm.com
Twice Brewed
A popular country pub, just a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall, Twice Brewed is surrounded by some of Northumberland’s most spectacular scenery, a lot of which you can enjoy from the pub’s expansive beer garden. A great pit-stop for walkers, but equally as good for families, their menu of locally-sourced delicious home-cooked food can also be enjoyed outdoors, or in the new sun-filled conservatory if it’s a little too breezy.
Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 7AN
01434 344534
twicebrewedinn.co.uk
STACK Seaburn
Although Newcastle’s STACK has now closed, the Seaburn containers are still around to offer a number of bars such as Barley & Me, Hop House 13 and The Gin Cabinet. The tables, benches and barrels on both upper and lower levels are mainly covered (with outdoor heaters too) so there’s no need to worry about what the weather is doing, simply sit, relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Whitburn Road, Seaburn SR6 8AA
stackseaburn.com
