Everyone’s looking forward to the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend, which this year coincides with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Pub gardens will undoubtedly be packed as pubs across the UK plan how to commemorate the Jubilee.
Rod Coldwell, Chair of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in Cheltenham said that pubs are essential to British culture.
“There’s something quintessentially British about the pub beer garden”, he said, “Nothing says summer more than sitting outside a pub with a pint of real ale in hand.”
“For many youngsters their first introduction to the pub is playing on the equipment in a pub garden while their parents have a drink.”
But with so many pubs in Cheltenham, it can be hard to find the best one. Well, not to fear, we’ve found the best beer gardens in town and given each of them a rating out of five.
Norwood Arms:
This was the first stop on our journey through town. The Norwood Arms is a lovely local pub on Leckhampton road, a short walk from the beautiful Leckhampton Hill. Upon entering the pub, the first thing you notice is how family orientated and friendly it is.
There's plenty of room inside for when the weather isn't as pleasant. The garden itself is large and open with plenty of benches to accommodate busy periods in the summer. The grassy area allows for young children to run around while parents get to relax with a drink in the sun.
I spoke to bar staff member Fleur who told me about how the beer garden is so popular, even in the bad weather: “When it’s sunny the garden is packed. But I’ve had people sit out here even in the rain, desperate for a pint.”
She also said that pub gardens are “great for socialisation”.
“I think as soon as we see the sun people want to be outside, it’s a reason to drink to be honest.”
The Norwood Arms has planned many events for the Bank holiday weekend.
“We’ve got a prince and princess lunch, so something for the kids as well, a family occasion of having a picnic in the garden and live music on two nights.” As you can see it’s going to be a mass of celebrations over at Norwood next week.
Rating: 3 stars
Exmouth Arms
Our next stop was just down the road at the Exmouth Arms. The garden wasn’t as big at Norwood but the cosy feel was definitely there.
The more central location to Bath Road makes it slightly noisier but in the summer I’m sure that’s not a problem. The garden even has a pizza oven, a local’s favourite on a summer’s evening.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Moon Under the Water
Well, we all love a good Wetherspoons and that’s why our next stop was the much-loved Moon Under the Water. While it’s not fancy, it’s definitely a good fun place to be.
Their garden isn’t very big, but they do make up with the brilliant view of Sandford Park and the benches out the front. The prices are also very affordable, and the food and drinks are good.
Rating: 2.5 stars
The Railway
The Railway was our final stop on our tour of town. This location was new to us, and we couldn't recommend it more highly. When you enter the garden, you are immediately greeted by a beautiful courtyard space with bushes surrounding you.
The multiple heaters dotted around and the cover over the majority of the garden are the biggest pluses for this garden.
Rating: 4 stars
So, there you have it, there’s a few of the pubs we would recommend for your jubilee weekend or even summer plans. If you want a chilled and relaxed atmosphere, The Railway is the place to go, but if you want a more family-friendly atmosphere, head down to The Norwood Arms. In any case, wherever you go, have a wonderful weekend, hopefully in the sun.
Darcey Barrett
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