If the weather doesn’t play ball, the interiors are pretty good too
Owen Williams with a pint in the beer garden at the Crown in Beeston(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
It’s bank holiday weekend and that means one thing — a chance of rain.
Saturday (May 2) and Monday (May 4) look like they’re going to be the best days of the long weekend with the Met Office predicting downpours on Sunday (May 3).
Although the mini heatwave seems to be over for now we’re holding out for the rays and an outing to a beer garden. One certainty is that you won’t be stuck for ideas, from secret suntraps around the city centre to sprawling lawns at rural inns and maybe one or two lesser known hangouts.
Since the pandemic, there’s barely a watering hole that doesn’t have a garden… even the tiniest yards were turned into alfresco drinking spots when only outdoor drinking was permitted in 2020.
Here’s a round-up of some of our favourites where you can bask in the sun (we’re being optimistic), enjoy some quality drinks and switch off for an hour or two.
Crown Inn
The pub has many merits — the real ale, craft beers, the cosy unspoilt snugs and a gorgeous suntrap garden.
There might not be the stunning views of some of the rural retreats and it’s picnic benches and barrels rather than fancy garden furniture but on a warm evening, there’s a lovely buzz about the place.
A proper traditional pub, it doesn’t serve food other than cobs, pork pies and cheese boards but at weekends there’s always a food truck serving top class grub, with The Meatles’ steak and chips to the Cluck Brothers’ rotisserie chicken on the roster.
Location: Church Street, Beeston NG9 1FY
The Magic Garden
Undercover in The Magic Garden (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
If you want to hedge your bets and be prepared come rain or shine, The Magic Garden is a good compromise. Part undercover, part out in the open, it has your back whatever the weather.
The hideaway garden, one of the biggest in Nottingham city centre, has space for hundreds of drinkers but you’d never know it’s there from the street.
Tucked away behind the grand Georgian building in Low Pavement, visitors can bask in the sun at wooden picnic benches on the lawn. But those preferring a shady spot can take advantage of the undercover pergola decked out with foliage and flowers for a picnic of small plates, pints, cocktails and wine.
Location: Low Pavement, Nottingham NG1 7DL
Canalhouse
The outdoor area at The Canalhouse in Nottingham
One of the most popular haunts in the city, this canalside spot is always rammed when the sun’s out.
The huge range of beers from across the world as well as Castle Rock’s finest ales from the brewery just a stone’s throw away make it a major draw for an alfresco pint.
Its popularity led to it being named one of England’s top 25 beer gardens in 2023 by Big 7 Travel. Not only is the ambience, scenery and drinks on point (with more than 200 beers sourced from around the globe), the homemade food is pretty tasty too. Choose from burgers, jacket potatoes, loaded fries and rustic sandwiches.
Location: Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH
The Martins
The comfortable outdoor seats at The Martins
The olde worlde pub blends traditional charm inside with a stylish contemporary garden. In case you’re wondering where The Martins is, it was previously called the Martins Arms before adopting a trendier identity.
The terraced area is perfect for alfresco dining, with a menu, designed by former MasterChef: The Professionals winner Laurence Henry, revolving around seasonal dishes such as spring lamb, Iberico pork as well as crowd-pleasing fish and chips.
Comfortable sofas and chairs make it easy to feel at home with an Aperol Spritz in hand after a big Sunday roast and when the evening starts to get cooler, the fire pits will provide a welcome warmth.
There’s also a great children’s area with tents, hay bales, sandpits and outdoor games for the kids to let off some steam.
Location: School Lane, Colston Bassett NG12 3FD
The Queen’s Head
When the skies are blue, the Queen’s Head gets busy
Sun worshippers flock to the popular pub which boasts a sprawling beer garden. There’s plenty of space for a refreshing real ale or bottle of wine on a warm day.
The independently-run traditional pub in Watnall serves homemade food from a menu of classics, such as fish and chips, burgers and ham, egg and chips, plus the occasional barbecue.
A bouncy castle and slide will keep kids entertained, while you can sit back and relax. .
Location: Main Road, Watnall NG16 1HT
The Robin Hood and Little John
The rooftop garden at the Robin Hood and Little John
Arnold’s oldest pub, dating back to 1726, has a cracking range of hand-pulled beers.
No fewer than 20 cask ales in fact, including several brewed by the owners Lincoln Green and other local breweries such as Lenton Lane, Liquid Light and Two Matts Brewing.
Drinkers can enjoy them in the garden on a roof terrace that was created three years ago,
Location: Church Street, Arnold NG5 8FD
The Boathouse
The best seats in the house, or rather outside, at The Boathouse (Image: The Boathouse at Farndon )
For a drink with a scenic view, head to The Boathouse, nestled on the bank of the Trent.
Take a seat by the river and lap up everything the venue has to offer, whether that’s one of the delicious cocktails, a thirst-quenching pint or some tasty food, with brunch to start off the day. Later come pizzas, small plates, steaks, salads or classics such as fish and chips or shepherd’s pie with pulled lamb.
Refined but relaxed, once you soak up the sun and atmosphere, you won’t want to leave this waterside destination.
Location: North End, Farndon NG24 3SX
The Dragon
The Dragon’s beer garden is a real suntrap (Image: CAMRA )
In the heart of Nottingham there are a few pubs and bars with seating overlooking Old Market Square but if you prefer a more secluded beer garden, then the Dragon is the place for you.
The garden is tucked away at the back of the pub. It’s too early for all the attractive hanging baskets to appear but come summer the garden will be in full bloom.
The pub itself is charming and unspoilt, with an entry in the Good Beer Guide and good old-fashioned cobs. And if that’s not enough to draw you there, it has its very own Scalextric track for car races with your mates on the first Tuesday of the month.
Location: Long Row, Nottingham NG1 6JE
Johnson Arms
The mature garden behind the Johnson Arms
The garden is gearing up for a busy summer season at the pub which stands opposite the Queen’s Medical Centre.
Local gardeners have planted wildflowers and landlady Gemma Brown describes it as a “hidden gem”. A new pergola with a screen and heaters will be going up shortly ready for the World Cup.
With cocktails two for a tenner all day, cask ales, and pizzas (currently Wednesday to Friday, 5pm to 8pm) on a balmy evening, what’s not to love?
Location: 59 Abbey Street, Dunkirk NG7 2NZ
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