With warm weather on the way, there are plenty of excuses to dine and drink outside - so we've rounded up some of our favourite spots right here in Hertfordshire!
Whether it’s a simple picnic with friends, a glass of Pimms sat on a café terrace, or one of those typically summery pub garden meals, Hertfordshire has no shortage of places to eat and drink alfresco. After all, alfresco dining needn't just be saved for holidays abroad.
The Old Barge
A perfect stop for cyclists, walkers and river users. This riverside family pub is situated in the heart of Hertford and is known for its large beer garden, delicious contemporary British menu and range of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines and craft bottles. Bring your fur babies along with you as this pub welcomes dogs in the garden and in the bar area.
The Crooked Chimney
What was once originally a farmhouse called Hornbeam Hall is now known as The Crooked Chimney after its distinctive crooked brick chimney. This beautiful country pub located in Welwyn Garden City has a delicious hearty pub classic menu filled with seasonal spring dishes and a well-stocked bar which is best enjoyed in the amazing seated garden area. Welcoming your four-legged friends who are allowed in the garden and bar area this is definitely a place to visit.
Woolpack
Here’s one for those that would like a riverside terrace. The Woolpack has been a McMullen pub since 1856 and boasts its beautiful merry alfresco seating area with a gorgeous view of the river. Enjoy their delicious menu from a really good burger to dirty fries or some yummy wings!
Mops and Brooms
Another McMullen pub but since 1911 is the Mops and Brooms situated on the edge of Borehamwood. This amazing pub has magnificent views across Hertfordshire so what better place to sit back and relax outside enjoying the British weather (which sometimes is good). With plenty of fun play activities for the little ones to enjoy this is a great place to visit.
The Chequers
A country pub near you… located in Stevenage is The Chequers, originally a farmhouse it is now a beautiful bespoke pub with a pretty garden for you and your family or friends to relax in whilst enjoying a delicious meal. Offering a range of cask ales, fine wines and British gin what is stopping you from visiting here? And what better way to enjoy a meal than with your fur friend as this pub allows dogs in the garden and bar area and has water and treats available.
The Black Horse
Selling delicious quality ales, fine wines and cold lagers this is a pub to add to your list! Welcoming families, ramblers, cyclists and dogs this friendly pub really does cater for all, especially with their large garden perfect for the summer weather. Enjoy their locally sourced food, from delicious homemade pies to an amazing burger or stop by on a Sunday and enjoy their mouth-watering roasts!
The Feathers Public House and Kitchen
With a large seated garden and the beautiful weather what better combination do you need to enjoy a cold pint! Stop by for a leisurely lunch or a celebratory dinner or just for a nice night out with your friends or family and make sure to order their fantastic fresh food.
The Coach and Horses
Who doesn’t love a beautiful beer garden lit up with lights and with a beautiful canopy over the top meaning you can enjoy the outside no matter the weather? Serving seasonal menus with freshly prepared dishes, award winning wines, real ales all at an affordable price!
Wild Dining with At Home Farm
Round up your pals and spread the word far and wide, because At Home Farm is promising a wild feast this summer with Ben Quinn’s Woodfire Canteen experience! Back for its third year, now’s your chance to witness Ben Quinn and his team prepare delicious wood-fired food and of course indulge in the feast amongst the meadows of Home Farm. Collaborating with a stellar line up of guest chefs, with a unique menu co-designed especially for each event. Sounds like alfresco-dining done right!
The Alford Arms
With it’s gorgeous setting in a wooded valley on the edge of the Chilterns, the Alford Arms is the perfect place for a stop off if you just finished off a lengthy walk or fancy a getaway in the British country. Priding itself on fresh seasonal ingredients and local beers from the likes of Tring Brewery, it’s a true favourite in the area. Escape to the country in Frithsden
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
Resting just a stone's throw from the magnificent St Albans Cathedral, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is the perfect place to sit outside and sup local brews after a day of sightseeing in the city. Soak up the sun in the beer garden, but don't forget to venture inside to top up your drinks and for a peak at the oldest pub in the country! Soak up sun and history
Image: Tony H Photo
Rump & Wade
Rump & Wade is well known across Stevenage and Hertfordshire for its delicious British staples. This summer, pull up a chair on the terrace and enjoy a lovely view of leafy Stevenage old town centre. Spending an afternoon lounging on the brightly coloured furniture is not a bad way to spend an afternoon. Brunch, lunch and dinner on the patio
Lussmanns Hitchin
Lussmanns, the sustainable Hertfordshire based restaurant brand, has an air of European-inspired cafe culture in the pretty village of Hitchin. The perfect place to sit and people watch over a sensational meal of local produce, a relaxed lunch might just roll on into the afternoon. Watch the world go by
The Golden Fleece
Wonderfully characterful, the Golden Fleece is not only a perfect winter pub with its roaring fire, but an idyllic destination for that outdoor pub meal. Surrounded by beautiful cottages in Braughing, the award winning establishment caters for those warm days, with not one but two outdoor areas! The place to be in the Golden sunshine
Waterside picnics
Taking some food from home, wrapping it up into a basket and eating out in the countryside is one of Britain's favourite past times. We recommend relaxing into the summer season with a picnic by the side of Tring Reservoir watching the boats wade past, or perhaps on the edge of the Great Hardmead Lake in East Herts, at one with the otters, butterflies and other wildlife.
Hertford Ready Camp
Hertford Ready Camp is a perfect weekend or midweek getaway where you can enjoy outdoor dining at its finest. Each plot has it's own kitchen facilities and once you've cooked up a storm, you can head out onto the spacious deck area and enjoy home cooking under the moon lit sky. Eating and sleeping under the stars
