UK's best pubs and beer gardens most likely to be sunny as heatwave nears
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
England fans celebrate as Lionesses thrash Wales 6-1 to Euro 2025 quarter-final
The Lionesses now face Sweden in Zurich on Thursday after blowing the Welsh away in St Gallen with a final score of 6-1 - England fans have been celebrating the win thought the night England have romped into the Euro finals after smashing through the Red Wall and slaying the Welsh dragons. The fierce Lionesses had already buried four goals before the half time whistle, but the final score sheet was a 6-1 thrashing. And as France served up a third and final thrashing against the Netherlands, Les Bleus finished top of the group with nine points. It means England finish the group stage as runners up and will face Sweden in Zurich on Thursday. Wales were met with a standing ovation following a moving rendition of their national anthem with the players seen belting it out from the pitch. Despite the result, the Welsh women will go home heroes and history makers, having been the first ever female side to represent the country at a major tournament. As they gathered in the streets of St Gallen, famed for its 9th century cathedral, Wales fans were hoping to chalk up a new tale for the history books. But the defiant Lionesses won the Battle of Britain in front of a sell-out crowd at the St Gallen arena and the English party carried on into the night. Sharon Rogalski, 73, from Peterborough told the Mirror: "I might have a gin and tonic or two! Tonight we have proven that we are just as passionate and loud as the Welsh. "They [Wales] got here and that's the main thing, we have all just been enjoying being here together. The cities here in Switzerland are lovely, everyone has been so friendly and the atmosphere has been amazing." Jeannette Bowden, 66, from Newcastle credited the win to her 'good luck charm' - a crocheted doll of Lucy Bronze. She said: "My sister in law made little Lucy for me and she's been our good luck charm. She's very sentimental to me as my sister in law isn't very well. But tonight has been amazing, it's been incredible to watch them play so far and it's just great to win another one tonight." Before the bout fans in red and white jerseys soaked up the sun side by side - with some families and couples even split by allegiance. As the clocktower bell chimed through the streets, so did the drums of the barmy army who were singing Sweet Caroline before even leaving the bars of the market square. In the stands the chants were deafening as England fans sought to drown out the cries of Red Wall who sang Yma O Hyd and Calon Lan. Jess Cully, 54, from Portsmouth said: "Wales have brought magnificent support out here. I take my hat off to their fans, but we turned out a full repertoire. Now this is when the tournament really starts for England, but I'm going to celebrate this win with my friends and have a few sherbets tonight before the next game." For couple Amber McGrath, 27, and Elin Price, 28, this Women's Euros tournament is a trip that they will never forget. Just days ago the pair got engaged in the charming Swiss village of Grindelwald. But the pair, who have been together for nine years, still insist on proudly wearing the jerseys of their home nations. Born in Gorslas, Llanelli , Elin said of the Welsh defeat: "We knew we would both be there to console each other no matter what the score was tonight. "But just playing in the Euros is such an incredible achievement for Wales. Just to be here among the atmosphere, we have put our hand up to say 'we can play and we do matter'. We are an inspiration to the next generation. The only way is up from here." Asked if she'll join the English celebrations alongside Portsmouth-born Amber, Elin said: "I'm always there for a party as long as there's a beer about. It'll be a beer of celebration for one of us and a beer of consolation for the other." Dad, Steve Harper, who was born in England but now lives in Wales had cut his Wales and England tops in half, and then sewed them together. Steve, 44, from Cardigan Bay, Wales told the Mirror: "I have English parents but we live in Wales and our daughter is Welsh so I decided to support both. I hadn't sewn anything since school but I bought a second hand machine from eBay and a couple of shirts. It only took me a few hours." Joined by his partner Kelly Wilkinson, and daughter Emily Harper, 14, both wearing Wales shirts, Steve said: "Everything about this game is historic. The atmosphere is amazing, I probably couldn't get away with wearing this at a men's tournament so it's been brilliant and everyone's had a laugh."
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
My miserable 12½ hour US train journey at Club World Cup with £6 purple sludge ‘porridge' made me dream of British rail
Scroll down to unearth my horror journey through the US COULDN'T CHOO-CHOO My miserable 12½ hour US train journey at Club World Cup with £6 purple sludge 'porridge' made me dream of British rail Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STEP AWAY from the Amtrak oatmeal. American long distance trains are bad enough but the food they serve is even worse. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 SunSport's Andy Dillon opens up on his treacherous 12-and-a-half hour journey across the United States 8 American long distance trains are bad enough but the food they serve is even worse Credit: Getty 8 Chelsea face Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final in New Jersey Credit: AFP The 'porridge' they serve makes the infamous British Rail pork pie of the 1970s look like the top of the menu fare from a Michelin Star restaurant. And it's not cheap either. Around £6 per pot of purple sludge that when mixed with a jet of boiling hot water forms an indigo mess that is as arduous on the stomach as the painfully slow services that run between some cities. You may discover this next year when the USA hosts the real World Cup - a coming together of 48 nations competing for the biggest prize in international football. Fans and players will be criss-crossing this vast country in many ways. For Chelsea during the Club World Cup this summer it has been first class travel for a whole month - flights and five star hotels. Cole Palmer will hopefully be following similar pathways next summer with England. But wherever way you travel, trekking around this massive country to compete in or even watch a football tournament is wearing. 8 Dillon forked out £6 on awful oatmeal on the train America has hosted a World Cup before. In 1994, when then Ireland boss Jack Charlton warned that someone could die from the heat. Temperatures touching 40 degrees here over the past weeks, Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez admitting he felt dizzy during a game and had to lie down. Juventus players asking to come off to escape the heat. The world is warmer now than it was back in the 1990s and will be even warmer next year. Palmer has talked of the two hour flights everywhere draining his legs and his soul. Chelsea's poster boy player turned up at the Club World Cup wearing a PPE mask over his face because he says he 'doesn't like the smell of planes'. 8 Chelsea's poster boy player turned up at the Club World Cup wearing a PPE mask over his face 8 Cole Palmer said the travel across America has drained his soul Credit: Getty 8 Palmer and PSG star Ousmane Dembele of PSG posed for snaps during a visit to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center on Saturday Credit: Getty Unfortunately, he will have to go through it all again because Americans love flying and driving. Back in 1987 there was a hit movie - Planes, Trains and Automobiles - a comic tale of two stranded men trying to make it home for Christmas by any means when snow puts paid to their hopes of taking a jet home. It's planes and cars for the people over here. The trains are a joke. At least the one that took 12½ hours to carry me just 550 miles from Charlotte to Philadelphia to catch up with the Chelsea charabanc as they moved from city to city playing games. You can just about take a similar journey by rail in the UK but you might fall off the end of our little country into the sea at the end. But it wouldn't take more than half a day to do it either. It would take around half that time. Amtrak's number 80 service from North Carolina to Pennsylvania is an experience. Good or bad is debatable. They know that the 6.45am departure time means passengers are going to get hungry pretty quickly, and they have a captive market for the stuff they pass off as food as you chug along at no more than 40mph with a stinky old diesel engine dragging the carriages behind it like some sad old pack donkey. And once you reach Washington, brace yourself for a half hour wait while the diesel loco is uncoupled and the electric one hooked up - only then can you speed along at a decent pace. 8 Fans have been warned to prepare for frequent delays at the 2026 World Cup as extreme weather wreaks havoc at the Club World Cup Chelsea began their Club World Cup campaign in Atlanta and were so convinced they would win their group that they earmarked Miami as their next training base. It didn't quite work out that way and they ended as runners up. But still they chose sunny Florida and glamorous South Beach as a temporary HQ. This meant flying to their last 16 game in Charlotte and then back up north to Philly for their quarter final win over Palmeiras. From there's been onwards to New York, The Big Apple, and while it's luxury all the way for the players, they are still getting fed up with being cooped up in hotel rooms and strange beds. Downtime for them has been ping pong, basketball, dinners together and walks. Only last week French defender Malo Gusto walked right past me in Greenwich Village, engaged with a couple of pals and having his photo taken the whole time. The thing with America is that it doesn't need to sell itself. It's the richest and most entertaining country in the world. And it knows it. Unsurprisingly, being run by someone like Donald Trump means the US is wrapped up in itself. It's not been difficult finding a local who has no clue that the Club World Cup is actually happening within their borders. There won't be so much ignorance next year at the real World Cup but don't bet against it.
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
'I'm a travel agent and these five destinations are completely overrated'
The travel agent certainly didn't hold back on his review of five tourist hotspots Picking the perfect destination for your holiday is no easy task. But now, a professional travel agent may just help you narrow down your options. Carlos Lavilla, who assists in curating tailor-made trips at Turama, recently took to TikTok to share his insights. After travelling for more than three decades, he warned that some destinations are severely overrated. "These are the five tourist destinations that, as a professional travel agent, I consider to be the most overrated," he told Turama's followers. "And not just as a professional travel agent, but also as an inveterate traveller for more than 30 years, these are the tourist destinations that I don't usually recommend to my customers." No. 5: Cape Verde Counting back from fifth place, Carlos revealed that Cape Verde was among the most overhyped destinations he'd ever been to. The archipelago, situated in the Atlantic Ocean just west of Africa, has long attracted tourists from far and wide. In fact, official statistics suggest that a record-breaking 1.2 million tourists were welcomed into the nation last year alone. However, perhaps contentiously, Carlos has been disappointed with his experience. On TikTok, he said: "In my opinion, travelling to Cape Verde as an alternative to the Canary Islands is like buying a Fiat Panda thinking you're getting a Ferrari F40. No matter how you try to dress it up, there's simply no comparison." No. 4: Johannesburg, South Africa Johannesburg's position as the fourth city on the agent's list might raise a few eyebrows. As one of South Africa's largest cities, it boasts an array of significant landmarks such as Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum, not to mention the chance for visitors to embark on nearby wildlife safaris. However, Carlos cited its high crime rate as a reason he wasn't so keen on the destination. According to Statista data, between 2022 and 2023, Johannesburg Central experienced more contact crime incidents than any other city. These mainly included common assaults. "In addition, you'll be able to say you were robbed in one of the ugliest cities on Earth," Carlos added. No. 3: Hawaiian Islands For many, Hawaii's vibrant blue waters and beautiful beaches represent the ideal holiday destination. Unfortunately, Carlos doesn't agree. Instead, he claimed there are far 'more interesting' alternatives that are worth more of your time. He went on: "With a couple of honourable exceptions (which do exist), Hawaii is the ideal destination for an American retiree over 70 who has a collection of shirts at home that he doesn't dare to wear anywhere else. "If that's not your case, I assure you there are much more interesting and far less predictable alternatives." No. 2: South Korea Next on the hit list was South Korea and Carlos certainly didn't hold back. The travel agent not only alleged that tourists aren't treated too warmly here but also said he just finds the entire nation 'bland'. "South Korea is excessively expensive for what it offers," he said. "The treatment of foreign tourists leaves much to be desired. I find it bland, insipid, and rather sad. You may return home shrouded in a great depression." Despite his views, tourism in South Korea is only increasing. The nation's capital, Seoul, and other major cities like Busan, are among the various hotspots that welcome countless visitors every year. No. 1: Doha, Qatar Last but not least, Carlos drew attention to Doha. Qatar's capital is often deemed a vibrant source of culture, hosting numerous museums, malls and even a chance to hop on desert safaris. Yet, Carlos disagrees. In fact, he compared tourism here to visiting a 'petrol station in the middle of a motorway'. He explained: "For my taste, Doha in tourism terms is like a petrol station in the middle of a motorway: a place where you stop briefly to relieve yourself, grab a quick bite, rest for a few minutes, and then carry on. There's nothing more to it." Unsurprisingly, the travel agent's views stirred up quite the debate on TikTok. While some users agreed with his views, others slammed them as completely untrue. One person wrote: "I've travelled to more than 40 countries, and South Korea is one of the best places to relax and see very different things, and they treat you wonderfully! And Cape Verde is very diverse, with several islands, all different, very Europeanised, having been a Portuguese colony. It's highly recommended, not to put it in the top 5 most overrated..." Another person added: "Have you been to Cape Verde? There are 10 islands... and they are all different." Meanwhile, someone else said: "I would add Cuba. Depressing."
