At long last, the time has come to get back to our favourite sunny day pastime – here are our 5 favourite beer gardens.
THE RANWORTH MALTSERS
The Hill, Ranworth, NR13 6AB
The Ranworth Maltsters is located a stone’s throw away from the riverside, where boaters come to soak up the sun and find some steady ground. Moor on the island and stroll up to this decadent family-run pub for a pint and a pizza, and let the Summer season sink in.
Boasting a large terrace and a beautiful garden overlooking Malthouse Broad, this family-run pub also had a heated undercover area built for its reopening in April, so there are options whatever the weather. Peckish? Choose from a variety of pub classics or made-to-order pizza from Milson’s Pizza Den (inspired by their dog), which has its own hut in the beer garden. Ever paw-friendly, The Maltsers proudly supports local charity Paws-5-Thought, so your furry friends are welcome too.
Open: Monday-Sunday 11am-11pm, with food served between 12-3pm and 6-9pm daily.
KINGS ARMS, SHOULDHAM
28 The Green, Shouldham, Norfolk PE33 0BY
Set on Shouldham’s pretty village green, this historic pub is a must-visit for beer lovers, having won the West Norfolk CAMRA Pub of the Year for four years running. Real ales are served straight from the cask and the menu is packed with Norfolk produce. There’s also undercover seating for the British summer’s inevitable drizzly days.
THE RAMSHOLT ARMS
Dock Rd, Woodbridge, IP12 3AB
Being the only south facing pub on the river Deben, the Ramsholt Arms beer garden boasts a front row seat to some spectacular sunsets, not to mention its neighbouring beach and crab fishing jetty. The menu consists of fresh locally caught seafood, sharing platters and traditional pub grub. On the weekends, you can treat yourself to a real American barbeque on the riverside. Tables are currently operating on a first come, first served basis, so get one while you can!
Ye OLDE CROSS KEYS, ALDEBURGH
Crabble Street, Aldeburgh, IP15 5BN
Crabble Street’s Ye Olde Cross Keys lives up to it’s traditional name, with it’s brick fireplace and wooden-beamed bar hosting an array of delicious Adnams beers, gins, wines and everything else you might want on a summer’s evening.
This building dates back to 1540, with a recently refurbished interior that retains its old-timey charm. The cross keys here is a symbol of Saint Peter, he who holds the keys to heaven. So pop in for a pint and you might make it upstairs.
A guarantee is the beachfront seating area offering views of the sun, sea and sand, a bar serving a range of Adnams beers and a spring menu featuring mouthwatering homecooked dishes (‘Long Horn’ pulled beef brisket chilli con carne is on our hit list), so head over for an historical night out.
King’s Head, Letheringsett
Holt Road, Letheringsett, NR25 7AR
Holt hosts a massive array of activities, but slip just outside and you’ll find yourself at The Kings Head in Letheringsett. Sink into the home-away-from-home, with 4 cosy rooms to stay in all with different styles.
In the beer garden, and you’ll discover an enclosed country garden surrounded by parkland – the perfect place to enjoy a tipple or two. The Shack will keep you full on locally-sourced ingredients, and a choice from a breakfast, a la carte, classic garden, kids, and pudding menu.
A marquee, kid’s play area, real ales on tap and food available all day from The Shack outdoor serving hatch – what more could you need on a bright summer’s day?
