1. The Swan Inn, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire
This rural Cotswold stone-built 16th- century coaching inn has been transformed into a stylish pub with rooms. The partly covered rustic-chic courtyard garden with its pergola, climbing vines and greenery is a pastoral haven in which to enjoy the seasonally changing menu that might include poached turbot with truffle gnocchi, artichoke and Sauternes sauce. Opening from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details countrycreatures.com, 03339 398875
2. The Beehive, White Waltham, Berkshire
The beer garden of this gastropub overlooks the village cricket pitch and has a heated marquee and dining pods. Chef Dominic Chapman will be serving a seasonal spring menu that includes steamed English asparagus, hot smoked salmon, monk’s beard and hazelnut vinaigrette. Opening from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details thebeehivewhitewaltham.com, 01628 822877
3. The Bull, Ditchling, East Sussex
This family-friendly rural pub, set in a village in the heart of the South Downs National Park, has installed a bookable Bedouin-style garden tent, decorated with fairy lights and hay bales. Kids can make their own soft-serve ice creams for pudding, while the whole family will appreciate the casual dining menu that includes Neapolitan pizzas cooked in an outdoor pizza oven. Opening from April 12 for dining reservations in the tent and walk-in dining and drinking in the garden.
Details thebullditchling.com, 01273 843147
4. Pizza Paloma at the Blackbird, Bagnor, Berkshire
For spring and summer, chef Dom Robinson has put his Michelin star-awarded cooking on the back burner at this rural family-owned pub to concentrate on his crowd-pleasing alfresco gourmet sourdough pizza concept. Paloma Pizza is based in the pub’s garden and offers classic margarita and pepperoni pizzas, as well as starters including spiced chickpea soup. Opening from April 14 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details pizzapaloma.co.uk, 01635 40005
5. The Plough, Coton, Cambridgeshire
Head three miles west of Cambridge city centre to find this smart rural gastropub. Built in the 18th century and set in an acre of meadow, the parasol-covered patio area is a tranquil spot in which to enjoy creative dishes such as scallops with cauliflower and vanilla purée, as well as simple pub classics like fish and chips. Opening from April 13 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details theploughcoton.co.uk, 01954 210489
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6. The Cross, Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Dine on the chic patio of this Michelin-starred market-town pub that’s owned by Andreas Antona, the chef-owner of Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham. Choose between two, three and five-course menus that include creative dishes such as Creedy Carver duck breast with smoked beetroot, pommes anna, hibiscus and raspberry vinegar, and hazelnut soufflé with praline sauce and vanilla cream. Opening from April 14. Reservations encouraged; walk-ins dependent on availability.
Details thecrosskenilworth.co.uk, 01926 853840
7. The Hollist Arms, Lodsworth, West Sussex
Set in a chocolate-box South Downs village, the Hollist is the first venture from a young team who have previously worked in top London restaurants including Chez Bruce. Served in a stretch tent in the pub’s well-maintained gardens, the menu of simple, modern European dishes might include roast lamb rump, lentils and salsa verde, and sharing dishes such as duck lasagne. Opening from April 14. Reservations are advised, but walk-ins accepted.
Details thehollistarms.com, 01798 861310
8. The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
This stone-built town centre pub with rooms has won a Bib Gourmand from Michelin. Book a booth in the heated and covered patio area for the chef John Hooker’s carefully prepared dishes that include roast breast of Sladesdown duck with spring vegetables and hazelnut and duck gravy. Opening from April 12. Reservations advised; walk-ins accepted when possible.
Details thecornisharms- tavistock.co.uk, 01822 612145
9. Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury, Wiltshire
Dine in the beautiful, peaceful gardens of this rural inn,where chefs and owners Guy and Brittany Manning grow vegetables and raise chickens and pigs. The seasonal modern European menu reflects the couple’s Michelin training, with dishes such as smoked eel boudin blanc with parsley puree. The Bar Top Bakery serves doughnuts and other homemade delights on Sundays. Opening from April 15. Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins accommodated when possible.
Details redlionfreehouse.com, 01980 671124
10. Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire
The alfresco seating and marquee at this acclaimed rural gastropub is set in a field overlooking the beautiful River Hodder and fells. A garden picnic menu, specially devised for the pub’s reopening, will include east coast lobster salad and sourdough. Opening from April 23 for pre- ordered and pre-paid dining reservations. Walk-ins available for drinks only.
Details parkersarms.co.uk, 01200 446236
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11. The Rat Inn, Anick, Northumberland
The pretty landscaped garden at this village-green gastropub offers spectacular countryside views and the chance to sample a menu of local produce, some grown in the pub’s grounds, including rhubarb for a chutney that is served with local pork and black pudding terrine. Opening from April 13. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins accepted.
Details theratinn.com, 01434 602814
12. The Bonnie Badger, Gullane, East Lothian
White limestone gravel and designer rattan chairs give the secluded garden of this ivy-covered village pub with rooms (part of the Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin’s restaurant and pub group) a Scandi feel. The menu, however, concentrates on elevated pub classics that might include bone marrow and a wagyu burger. Opening from April 26 for reservations and walk-ins when there is availability.
Details bonniebadger.com, 01620 621111
13. The Drapers Arms, London N1
With its wooden planters and zinc-topped tables, the elegant patio garden at this renowned Islington neighbourhood gastropub is a hidden oasis. The menu reflects the pub’s modern European style with dishes such as pork chop with courgettes, datterini tomatoes, freekeh and anchovy, as well as including pub classics such as a chicken and mushroom pie. Opening from April 14. Reservations are strongly advised but walk-ins accepted when possible.
Details thedrapersarms.com, 020 7619 0348
14. Meynell Ingram Arms, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire
Book a pavilion-style garden room for four to six people at this recently renovated red-brick rural pub, for stone-baked pizzas or baked cod loin with chorizo and butterbean casserole. Seating is also available in the covered and heated courtyard and in the garden. Opening from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details meynellingram.co.uk, 01283 575988
15. The Kentish Hare, Bidborough, Kent
Head to the spacious decked area and patio of this chic gastropub for some inventive food courtesy of the TV chefs the Tanner Brothers. Dishes on the new garden spring menu include spring vegetable salad with whipped English ricotta, lemon and almonds. Opening from April 14 for lunch only, Wednesday to Sunday, for reservations and walk-ins (opening hours subject to change as the weather improves).
Details thekentishhare.com, 01892 525709
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16. The Ship Inn, Elie, Fife
There are uninterrupted views of the harbour from the spacious beer garden at this stylish pub. Expect locally sourced produce given an imaginative twist, with dishes including Orkney scallops and pork belly with walnut muhammara and the none-more-Scottish dessert of cranachan trifle with Blacketyside Farm raspberries, Kingsbarns whisky and East Neuk blossom honey. Opening from April 26. Reservations recommended, but walk-ins welcome. (Scottish rules allow for indoor seating when food is served without alcohol, in addition to outside seating.)
Details shipinn.scot, 01333 330246
17. The Chequers Inn, Thornham, Norfolk
This 16th-century village centre inn, close to the north Norfolk coast, has been elegantly modernised and has a stylish and secluded terrace with dining pavilions. The menu is a celebration of local produce. Start with a flute of locally made traditional Norfolk cider followed by a bowl of Cromer crab linguine with mascarpone and gremolata. Opening from April 14 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details chequersinnthornham.com, 01485 512229
18. The Punchbowl Inn, Crosthwaite, Cumbria
Enjoy fabulous countryside views of the Lyth Valley from the pretty gravelled terrace of this stalwart Cumbrian village gastropub with rooms. The menu of familiar and comforting food includes Stornoway black pudding with bubble and squeak, crispy hen’s egg and pork crackling, and beef sirloin with beef-fat chips, semi-dried tomatoes, button mushrooms and creamed red wine sauce. Opening from April 12. Reservations recommended; walk-ins accommodated when possible.
Details the-punchbowl.co.uk, 01539 568237
19. The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone, Derbyshire
The gardens at this family-run, lovingly renovated 19th-century rural village inn offer views over the surrounding countryside, and a new indoor/outdoor pergola with retractable roof, heaters and blankets means that dining is on the cards whatever the weather. The seasonal menu includes comforting dishes such as braised lamb neck with glazed carrot and samphire. Opening from April 12. Reservations strongly advised, but walk-ins welcome.
Details duncombearms.co.uk, 01335 324275
20. The Fat Boar, Mold, Flintshire
This half-timbered town centre pub has a spacious modern garden complete with pergola where you can choose from a selection of 63 gins. The wide-ranging menu includes everything from steaks and burritos to inventive dishes such as roasted belly pork with langoustines, saffron mash and seafood sauce. Open from April 26 for reservations only.
Details https://www.shipinnporlockweir.co.uk/ thefatboar.co.ukhttps://www.shipinnporlockweir.co.uk/ , 01352 759890
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21. The Miller of Mansfield, Goring, Berkshire
This family-run gastropub with rooms is a stylishly converted 18th-century village coaching inn set opposite Goring village’s Rectory Gardens. The courtyard garden, shaded by parasols and set with lots of wooden planters, is a charming spot in which to enjoy the chef Nick Galer’s spring menu of “nibbles” that includes venison sausage roll with homemade brown sauce and quail Scotch egg with tartare sauce. Opening from April 14. Reservations are advised; walk-ins accepted when possible.
Details millerofmansfield.com, 01491 872829
22. The Unruly Pig, Bromeswell, nr Woodbridge, Suffolk
Voted one of the top ten gastropubs in Britain, the Unruly Pig is a handsome red-brick rural inn with a large garden with a parasol-shaded, decked seating area. There’s an Italian accent to the reopening “lite” seasonal menu that includes a risotto of morels, asparagus and parmesan. Opening from April 16, from Friday to Sunday, for reservations and walk-ins.
Details theunrulypig.co.uk, 01394 460310
23. The Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor, Oxfordshire
A favourite haunt of the chef Raymond Blanc, the shaded, flagstoned terrace of this upmarket rural gastropub looks out over the idyllic garden’s lawns and flowerbeds to the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside. The menu of seasonal, sophisticated and contemporary dishes includes Brixham crab with set pea mousse, garden peas and lemon dressing. Opening from April 14 for reservations only.
Details sircharlesnapier.co.uk, 01494 483011
24. The Urchin, Hove, East Sussex
You will have to stray from the seafront to find one of the best places in Brighton and Hove for seafood that is hidden away down a residential side street. Book a picnic-style table on the pergola-covered patio at this smart modern gastropub for beers from the in-house Larrikin microbrewery and globally inspired dishes such as curried crayfish arancini. Opening from April 12 for reservations only (walk-ins available in the garden after May 17).
Details urchinpub.co.uk, 01273 241881
25. The Wigmore, London W1
Thanks to a pergola with climbing vines, the country comes to the city at the newly created summer terrace and garden of the celebrity chef Michel Roux’s popular modern gastropub. The signature Scotch egg with masala spice and dahl relish is joined by new dishes, including a buttered lobster roll with buttermilk onion rings. Opening from April 14 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details the-wigmore. co.uk, 020 7965 0198
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26. The Wiremill, East Grinstead, West Sussex
Drink in the lakeside views from the large terrace of this converted 15th-century mill, with wooden pergola with retractable roof, heating, outside bar and enough space for 168 seats. Try a locally made spirit in one of the creations from the pub’s new cocktail “laboratory” and dine on sticky soy pressed pork belly with Galician octopus, carrot caramel, radish and ruby beetroot remoulade and salsa verde. Opening from April 12 for reservations only.
Details thewiremill.co.uk, 01342 832263
27. The Turks Head, Woodbridge, Suffolk
This award-winning country village pub is set in two acres of gardens and features three covered and heated areas with space for about 70 guests. Sample a local real ale and dine on the signature Bengali monkfish curry with coconut rice and tiger prawn pakora. The separate vegan and vegetarian menu might include a millefeuille of beetroot, pistachio and foraged nettle. Opening from April 14 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details theturksheadhasketon.co.uk, 01394 610343
28. Bathurst Arms, North Cerney, Gloucestershire
The River Churn runs through the attractive tree-shaded garden of this traditional Cotswolds village pub. The Bathurst Arms is the first pub in Britain to achieve five stars from the Soil Association, with 95 per cent of its small-plates-based menu made with organic food from local farms and suppliers, including the signature Scotch egg with garlic mayo, and lamb from nearby Fir Farm that features in a doner kebab served with tzatziki. Opening from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details bathurstarms.co.uk, 01285 832150
29. The Swan Inn, Esher, Surrey
José Pizarro, one of the foremost Spanish chefs in the UK, has reinvented gastropub food at this smart suburban local. The stylish patio features covered and heated booths where you can enjoy an authentically regional casserole of chistorra (a type of chorizo from Asturias in northwest Spain) with cider and beans, or a delicious British/Spanish hybrid Scotch egg made with salt cod. Opening from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details josepizarro.com, 01372 462582
30. The Durham Ox, Crayke, North Yorkshire
Set with black rattan furniture and shaded with dark blue parasols, the elegant courtyard patio garden of this 300-year-old family owned hilltop village pub is the ideal spot to enjoy a list of regional pub classics including Yorkshire beef and black sheep pie with horseradish scone dumpling. Opening from April 14. Reservations encouraged, but walk-ins possible.
Details thedurhamox.com, 01347 821506
31. The Cornish Arms, St Merryn, Cornwall
Drive just over two miles inland from Rick Stein’s world-famous Seafood Restaurant in Padstow for a seat on the terrace of his traditional village pub, where the accent is on dishes inspired by the TV chef’s globetrotting. Start with chicken wings with tamarind and chilli sambal then spicy lamb karahi curry. Opening from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details rickstein.com, 01841 556072
32. The Bridge, Prestbury, Cheshire
Order a cocktail from the Shed outdoor bar at this riverside grade II listed village inn to enjoy on one of three heated and covered outdoor seating areas. Tuck into the signature mutton shepherd’s pie or a steak, aged in a Himalayan salt chamber at Althams in Morecambe, one of the oldest independent family-owned butchers in Britain. Opening from April 12 for reservations only. A deposit of £20 per person required.
Details flatcaphotels.com/the-bridge, 0330 137 3770
33. The Star Inn at Harome, North Yorkshire
The chef Andrew Pern has served his signature grilled black pudding and pan-fried foie gras with watercress, apple and vanilla chutney and scrumpy reduction since opening this Michelin-starred village pub on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors in 1996. Dine in the kitchen garden or on the covered terrace, where the menu might also include North Sea wild turbot with poached white asparagus and dressed Whitby crab. Opening from April 12. Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins accepted depending on availability.
Details thestaratharome.co.uk, 01439 770397
34. The Boat Inn, Lichfield, Staffordshire
Lockdown has provided the perfect opportunity for this three AA rosette and Top 50 Gastropubs-listed pub to make some significant refurbishments. The gardens and outdoor terrace have been transformed with the menu by the chef and owner Liam Dillon (who recently appeared on the BBC’s Great British Menu series) informed by the pub’s own produce. Dishes will include roast hake, pea puree and triple-cooked fondant potato, as well as homemade Marmite and cheese doughnuts. Opening from April 16, Fridays to Sundays, for reservations and walk-ins.
Details theboatinnlichfield.com, 01543 361692
35. Hare and Hounds, Bath, Somerset
There are gorgeous views over the Bath countryside from the covered garden terraces of this stone-built pub, a mile and half outside the city centre. It’s open from breakfast to dinner, and the menu might include hot smoked mackerel pâté with pickled shallot, as well as pizzas from the outside bar. Opening from April 12 for reservations for the pub’s top terrace and walk-ins to the lower terrace.
Details hareandhoundsbath.com, 01225 482682
36. Avalon, London SW12
The sprawling stylish beer garden at this imposing brick-built pub in Clapham South is a pastoral oasis in the city, with plenty of greenery contrasting with the wooden pergolas and decking. The menu includes braised wagyu beef brisket with sweet potato fries and artichoke pizza with baby spinach, chilli, red onion and tomato. Opening from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details theavalonlondon.com, 020 8675 8613
37. The Stackpole Inn, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
Explore the sandy beaches and walking trails of the National Trust-run Stackpole Estate then head to the pretty beer garden of this ivy-covered, award-winning rural village inn for a restorative pint of Welsh-brewed beer and a menu of Pembrokeshire produce, including Welsh beef and red wine ragu tagliatelle with 24-month aged parmesan and salsa verde. Opening on April 26 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details stackpoleinn.co.uk , 01646 672324
38. The Bay Horse Tavern, Manchester
Situated in the heart of the fashionable Northern Quarter, this “modern take on a Victorian pub” is renowned for the quality of its keg and cask craft beers. In addition to its internal alfresco courtyard seating, the pub benefits from a new curbside seating area. A short menu of pies, burgers and rotisserie items is supplemented by a traditional roast on Sunday. Opening from April 12 for walk-ins only.
Details thebayhorsetavern.co.uk, 0161 669 5799
39. Red Lion, Barnes, London SW13
There are plenty of alfresco options at this much-loved high streetpub in Barnes. Choose from a seat on the awning-covered patio, in the marquee, or in one of three heated sheds for a pint of cask-conditioned ale and a menu of carefully sourced British produce that includes English pea ravioli with asparagus and Isle of Wight tomatoes. Open from April 12 for reservations and walk-ins.
Details red-lion-barnes.co.uk, 020 8748 2984
40. The Bottom Ship, Porlock Weir, Somerset
With nearly 30 picnic benches arranged on the front terrace of this traditional harbourside pub on the west Somerset coast, there’s no need to book for the menu of familiar classics that include beer-battered cod and chips, sausage and mash, and ploughman’s lunch. Opening from April 12 for walk-ins only. Open 11am until 6pm every day apart from Fridays and Saturdays, when the pub will stay open until 9pm.
Details shipinnporlockweir.co.uk, 01643 863288
