We're holding our breath for a successful summertime, where the pubs and restaurants stay open and keep their parasols in the gardens up. Helping us to get into the mood, we've rounded up our top picks of pubs, restaurants and cafes that truly bask when the sun shines, serving equally as satisfying food and drink! Let's all hope for those warm spring days, sunny bank holidays and long summer days to enjoy some outdoor dining.
With a restaurant that goes by the name The Glasshouse, you'd hope that you'd be able to enjoy the outdoor feeling whatever the weather - and you'd be right! With stunning interior settings, and exterior views of the garden, this prime spot serves a delicious offering with food stations themed on dishes from around the globe with the exquisite attention to detail you'd expect of The Grove.
If you've been wanting to spend time outside and amongst acres of parkland that isn't your shared or private garden, then Pendley Manor and its 35 acres might well be the place to head. Not only have they opened for full menu alfresco dining (think sharing platters to fish and chips) from 11am to 9pm, but you can order a picnic which includes a ready to go spread of sandwiches, cheeses and desserts ready to be served on and in china and glassware. Oh and let's not forget the classics served at the weekend & bank holiday barbecues!
With the stunning exterior of the Bricklayers Arms always looking full and inviting whatever the season (see their autumnal and winter pictures!), we can't wait to return to their garden this year. Being a Visit Herts Tourism Award winner and holding many other recognition's, this isn't your average pub garden - choose from a delicious pan fried halibut or a classic fish and chips and breathe in the green surroundings!
Tony H Photo
Not only a staple hotel in the town of Stevenage, but Hotel Cromwell is the place to be dining come 12th April. If you’ve missed the buzz of a restaurant then Rump & Wade is for you, as its terrace overlooks the bustling Stevenage and serves up firm English favourites from burgers to roasts. Just be sure to find out more before visiting on their website.
If you’re fortunate enough to have tried Lussmanns food via takeaway or the pop up BBQ, you’ll no doubt be excited to head back to one of their restaurants come 12th April. Providing a quaint sheltered courtyard garden, part of which is heated and undercover, Harpenden’s Lussmanns will be your next stop for fresh and sustainably caught fish dishes to oven baked paella. Before visiting, it’s advised to book ahead.
Consistently voted one of the best pubs and dining pubs in Hertfordshire, the Alford Arms is the number one stop off after a walk around Ashridge Estate or a cycle in the country lanes. To ensure they aren’t affected by the weather, there’ll be heated tables from the 12th April so you will be able to enjoy that refreshing, freshly pulled beer and homecooked food without letting the British weather spoil the fun!
Photo: sdsmith18
If you’re a fan of our Instagram page you’ll possibly have seen our love for Watford’s splendid Cassiobury Park, which pops with colour in Spring. But you may not know that the park is also home to Daisy’s In The Park which makes for a retreat after a wander around the greenery. This little café serves meal favourites such as fresh bagels to sweet treats like flapjacks and brownies, and look out for its iconic retro Citroen van!
