The great Hertfordshire summer, where the sun is high in the sky and the burgers are ready to fry. Wafts of suntan lotion are strong and the birds are singing their summer time song. Taste buds are tingling, people are mingling and everyone is eager for some alfresco dining in this balmy weather.
It’s that time of year where you’re keen to find the ultimate foodie location with amazing outdoor spaces and the best ales (or mocktails) in the land. Whether you’re tempted by historic settings or gloriously green surroundings, we are here to serve up our list of the best beer gardens in Hertfordshire that are set to sizzle this summer.
A stone’s throw away from the magnificent St Albans Cathedral, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is the number one place to clink your drink after a day of sightseeing in the city. Oh and did we mention that this pub is the oldest one in the country? After grabbing a pint of cool crisp local brew from the bar, take a seat outside in the sun and get some vitamin D-rink. Also, during the summer, the stone based pizza oven is fired up so you can get your hands on mouth-watering, freshly made pizzas.
This summer, pull up a chair in the secret garden and soak up the summer day sun whilst sipping on chilled craft ales or incredible ethical coffee. When the night turns a little chilly, seek refuge indoors and take a seat by the comforting log fire. From delicious food to whet your appetite to a wide array of fine wines, this pub is the place to be for some foodie fun in the sun.
Set in a wooded valley on the edge of the Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Alfred Arms is the perfect pit stop after a long walk through the great Hertfordshire countryside. This pub has glorious food and drink with views to match, stimulating all the senses for an epic foodie experience. Using fresh seasonal ingredients and local beers from the likes of Tring Brewery, your taste buds are sure to be tingling.
Rediscover alfresco dinning as you take in the tranquil views over the surrounding golf course and watch as the sun sets over the green as you sit back, relax and enjoy gourmet galore. If you’re a keen golfer this is the place to satisfy your hunger, as after a round on the 9-hole Chadwell Springs course you can sink your teeth into some tasty pub grub. Serving fine wines, local hand crafted ales and ethical coffee, the Kings Mead drinks selection will tempt the toughest of foodie critics.
Surrounded by beautiful cottages, this award winning establishment caters for those warm hazy summer days, with not one but two outdoor areas. Quench your thirst with a pint of cold, crisp cider and sun yourself on the terrace while the kids explore the adventure play area. You can munch on modern European food made with the best seasonally and locally sourced food around.
Venture over to the most popular pub in Berkhamsted, The Boat, which makes dishes freshly from scratch every day using local and seasonal produce. Set out over the canal, diners can experience panoramic views of barges leisurely passing by whilst kicking back and relaxing over a glass of wine. The menus here are ever-evolving so there is always something new to try on every visit.
You're in for a treat as this charming country pub has both a front and rear garden, and better yet the pub is minutes away from the glorious Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, the village local for the famous artist. Delight your taste buds with meals made using local and seasonal produces, flavoured with herbs from the onsite garden, yummy!
Hop on over...
