Three West Midlands pub gardens have been ranked among the very best in the country. A canalside bar in the city centre, a 400-year-old village pub in Staffordshire and an inn on the river in Shrewsbury made Big 7 Travel's 25 Best English Beer Gardens list.
To mark the start of the summer season, the travel guide picked out the best outdoor drinking spots in the country - from riverside inns to secret city gardens and sprawling waterfront terraces.
The guide considered hundreds of pubs and whittled them down to the top 25, based on their atmosphere and service, value for money, location and reviews. One Birmingham boozer known for its hanging kebabs and heart Sunday roasts made the top ten thanks to its stunning view of the city's waterways, while another local winner has also seen its pub grub hailed in the Michelin Guide. The three Midlands pubs to make the list are...
Read more: Best desi pub, cocktail bar and afternoon tea café in Birmingham named in regional awards
The Canal House, Birmingham
This canalside pub only opened in 2017, but it's already received a multitude of awards, including the Best Pub in the Midlands in 2019. Big 7 Travel described it as 'legendary' and judges were particularly impressed by its huge drinks list, spacious outdoor terrace and breathtaking views.
"This legendary pub-restaurant is no stranger to ‘best of' lists, having claimed the title of Winner of Best Pub in the Midlands at The National Pub and Bar Awards," they said. "But while it’s easy to see why customers rave about its hearty Sunday Roasts and live music, it’s the beer garden we’re interested in. Boasting brilliant views of the canal basin, with plenty of seating on the outdoor terrace, it’s the perfect place to soak in the sunshine with a drink.
"And, with over 60 beers in the ale inventory, an extensive cocktail menu and a wide range of soft drinks on offer, you won’t be stuck for choice either."
The Boathouse Inn, Shrewsbury
The Boathouse Inn in Shropshire ranked 16th on the list, thanks to its huge outdoor area with stunning views over the River Severn and Quarry park, as well as its impressive pub grub. Roughly an hour's drive from Birmingham, the Boathouse is one of Shrewsbury's most-loved pubs.
Its sun-drenched terrace and big beer garden are a popular choice during the summer, while the log fire and hearty grills and roast dinners continue to entice people inside all year round. The guide said: "The Boathouse Inn is beautiful at any time of day, but it really comes alive in the evening when the river reflects the pub’s twinkling frontage and the Quarry Park bridge.
"The extensive beer garden offers superb views of the gently winding River Severn, complete with paddling ducks and bobbing boats. The food is excellent and there’s a good range of drinks on offer, as well as an annual Gin Festival with 50-plus drinks, barbecue and live music in the last weekend of August. No need to travel here by foot either - its riverside location next to Porthill Bridge offers the option of arriving by kayak or boat."
The George, Alstonefield
At number 23 on the list, this Staffordshire venue offers relaxed fine dining in a stunning rural setting 90 minutes from Birmingham. The George is perhaps more of a restaurant than a pub, but is well-deserving of a place on the list. Its food has been recognised by top chefs and has featured in the Michelin and Good Food Guides and Sawdays.
This is what Big 7 Travel had to say: "This Peak District gem sits on a pretty village green, amid rivers, hills, and shaded woods. As well as an impossibly pretty setting, The George serves up sensational seasonal menus that have been lauded by the likes of the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide.
"True, the 400-year-old pub gets its fair share of well-heeled diners, but those looking for a frosty beer in the sunshine are made to feel just as welcome."
