some tip-top beer gardens

Get out and about this summer and indulge in a spot of alfresco cask ale drinking. If you're in search of idyllic riverside locations, marvellous views or sun-trap patios here are fourteen selections throughout our branch area to help inspire you. Other suggestions are, as ever, most welcome.
 

Views from the Tyn-y-Capel, Minera Kagins Brasserie side patio
Tyn-y-Capel, Minera Kagins Brasserie, Cross Lanes

1. Tyn-y-Capel, Minera
(Weetwood beers, Greene King IPA and more)
Two-tiered verandah with fine views across to Esclusham mountain.

2. Cross Lanes Hotel, Cross Lanes
(Plassey Bitter plus guest)
Simple, serene side-garden surrounded by mature trees and birdsong.

3. Queen's Head, Sarn
(Marstons beers plus guest)
Charming rear patio garden next to the gurgling Wych Brook. Keep your eye out for passing kingfishers.

4. Cross Foxes, Overton Bridge
(Marstons beers plus guests)
Patio and tiered garden - perfect for kids to roll head over heels into the majestic river Dee.

Overlooking the Dee at the Cross Foxes, Overton Bridge Canalside Willey Moor Lock, Willey Moor
The Cross Foxes, Overton Bridge The Grosvenor Arms, Aldford Willey Moor Lock Tavern, Willey Moor

5. Grosvenor Arms, Aldford
(Guest beers)
Tan-friendly large paved patio and spacious lawns with trestles. Beware beer spillage from hyperactive kids. 

6. Willey Moor Lock Tavern, Willey Moor
(Theakstons plus guest beers)
A few randomly spaced tables and chair next to the eponymous lock. Watch narrow boats disappear before your very eyes.

Sunny setting at the Boat, Erbistock
The Boat, Erbistock

7. The Boat, Erbistock
(Tetleys plus guest beers)
Stupendous peaceful, sylvan setting next to a youthful river Dee.
NB Currently criminally SHUT!!!

8. Goshawk, Mouldsworth
(Landlord, Black Sheep etc)
Side decked verandah next to the village bowling green (crown as opposed to lawn).  

9. Duttons, Chester
(Lees beers)
Simple seating in a busy alley in the heart of the city. Perfect for people watching. 

10. Pant-yr-Ochain, near Gresford
(Guest beers)
Rambling rear gardens with mature trees, shrubbery and views of the flash. Hide and seek heaven for kids.

11. Pheasant, Higher Buwardsley
(Weetwood beers plus guest)
Terraced seating with a stunning, panoramic vista of Welsh Hills, the Cheshire plain and the, er, Mersey basin.

Duttons, Chester Lawns and trestles at the Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford Panormaic views from the Pheasant
Duttons, Chester Pant-yr-Ochain, near Gresford The Pheasant, Higher Burwardsley

12. Mitchells, Tattenhall
(Weetwood beers)
Quiet front lawn with parasols. All very genteel.

The roaring Dee as seen from the Corn Mill, Llangollen Side garden at the Alyn, Rossett

The Corn Mill, Llangollen

The Alyn, Rossett

13. The Corn Mill, Llangollen
(Guest beers)
Dramatic verandah and rear decking across the Dee from puffing steam trains. Watch out for watered down beer due to splashes from the river when in full spate.

14. Alyn, Rossett
(Marstons beers)
Sun-shaded tables in side patio garden next to the river Alyn. Shame the big shady weeping willow had to be cut down.