The Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford

Parked on the bank of the Stratford Canal, you can enjoy an award winning selection of pies and other pub favourites in the Fleur De Lys beer garden. Boasting an acre of land which runs right up to the water edge, the Fleur De Lys is a must visit now we can again!

Nestled in the picturesque village of Lowsonford, just a short distance from Baddesley Clinton National Trust, many walkers, cyclists and country ramblers will enjoy a pint in the sunshine overlooking the canal this springtime. The Fleur de Lys offers something for everyone, all through the year. Whilst their beautiful garden is a must visit, the 16th century building boasts original wooden beams and cosy nooks to escape the colder winter days by a roaring log fire.  With some still hesitant to go indoors, the team at the Fleur de Lys have provided cosy seating surrounded by heaters under their large canopy to escape the elements.

We can’t wait to get back to The Fleur de Lys to enjoy a nice cold pint and one of their famous pies in their beautiful country pub garden. You don’t need to book a table to visit the Fleur de Lys; they are operating on a first come, first served basis for outside seating, so get down there quick to grab a spot overlooking the canal.

The White Hart, Ufton

With panoramic countryside views, The White Hart in Ufton is a beautiful spot to reconnect with loved ones over a nice, cold pint or some traditional pub grub. The team at the White Hart have been working hard to ensure their garden offers a comfortable and safe environment for you to visit.

With picnic tables, wrought iron patio furniture, blankets galore and marquees to escape the wet weather, this is a perfect place to kick back and take in your surroundings. The views really are breathtaking.

The White Hart in Ufton offer an extensive menu of delicious food and drinks for you to try; we highly recommend you head down on a Saturday for their burger night. You can enjoy a range of burgers, including vegetarian options, for just £9! Our favourite is the Jerk Halloumi burger, lathered with mac n cheese.

The Malt Shovel, Barston

The terrace area, large grassy area with picnic benches and the giant marquee provides exceptional outdoor dining capacity at The Malt Shovel in Barston. This welcoming village pub is set in the heart of Warwickshire’s countryside and provides plenty of space to enjoy a tipple or chow down on something from their range of menus.

With a Daily Fish Specials board, you can enjoy a variety of dishes which have been locally sourced and celebrated by the kitchen team including monkfish and salmon fishcakes. If fish isn’t your thing, you will still be spoiled for choice from the a la carte menu too. The Malt Shovel welcomes families as well, providing a range of children’s dishes to fill those little tummies while you enjoy being out and about again.

The Brickmaker’s Arms, Berkswell

Over lockdown, the Brickmaker’s Arms in Berkswell have been delivering their delicious specials to the local community with take out meals of crispy duck pancakes, chilli, curry, pizzas and burgers including their waffle chicken burger for something super sweet and wild. But finally, the doors are open again! The 17th century pub offers a large beer garden with picnic tables for you to enjoy their wide selection of cask ales, craft beer, draught and wines as well as their delicious range of dishes. To avoid disappointment, the team recommend you book a table in advance.

The Old Tramway Inn, Stratford

The passionate team at The Old Tramway Inn have been eagerly awaiting your return. If you give them a call around twenty minutes before you want to head down and see them, they will hold a table for you in their outdoor space. They have a new alfresco dining area opened after the latest restrictions were announced, where you are able to drink and eat from their main menu. Offering proper pub classics, such as burgers, pies and pizzas as well as a selection of dietary specific dishes too, you can enjoy catching up with friends while relaxing in their heated outdoor space.

And if the heavens open, as this month has so far offered, half of that outdoor space is sheltered too! The weather changes won’t stop us from getting together when places like The Old Tramway Inn are working so hard to accommodate our every need.

The Keys, Stratford Upon Avon

The Keys & Kitchen is a hidden gem of Stratford which has been a destination for live music, theatre and comedy. We are so thrilled they have reopened their doors and are excited to see their summer plans for Fringe Comedy and music events. They have been preparing for our return with a canopy’d area of the terrace beer garden for those wetter days too. And if that isn’t enough to get you buzzed, their extensive gin menu will certainly help!

Alongside this being a true gem in Warwickshire for culture and creativity, the flower filled beer garden is a great space to enjoy catching up with friends and tucking in to one of their sharing plates in the sunshine. And, if you are a pie fan, you will love their menu from Pieminister. The Keys has a great sense of community; the perfect space to reconnect with loved ones. We are also really looking forward to their New Years Eve Party in June to make up for lost time.

Tom O The Wood, Rowington

Tom O The Wood in Rowington is a must visit if you’re out for a big walk with the dog any time of year. They have been working tirelessly in preparation for reopening to the public, creating a vast array of seating options outdoors. They have made individual huts for private dining, a canopy area covering their picnic benches to keep out of the elements and even a Guinness ‘Raising the Bar’ hut with a heater for you and up to three others to enjoy.

The dining huts are available by booking but the team at Tom O The Wood also welcome walk ins for their other seating areas. Just find a free table in the garden and use the Round app for ordering and one the friendly team will be happy to serve you.

Merchants Inn, Rugby

The Merchants Inn have been keeping us locals sane with their weekly beer deliveries and drive through over the last year, but now they have finally reopened the bar and we are over the moon! The Merchants are welcoming you back inside and into their beer garden so you can enjoy their vast array of real ales and craft beers on offer.

This local hospitality spot is the heart of the community, we hope as restrictions ease further we will see The Merchants Inn returning to hosting live music and other events too. But for now, we are happy to see what delicious ales they have on offer and then sit down to (hopefully) enjoy in the sunshine this Bank Holiday Weekend.

Red Lion, Hunningham

The team at the Red Lion in Hunningham have been busy installing loads of extra outdoor tables during lockdown, in preparation for the busy reopening. And they weren’t disappointed by the turnout. With an extra 74 tables for outdoor seating available, the team were able to sell over 3000 pints of beer and serve over 1000 meals in the first two days of opening last week.

As well as being dog friendly, (including a special dog’s menu) the Red Lion is situated in the peaceful village of Hunningham and offers a wide selection of mouthwatering meals which celebrate locally sourced, fresh produce. The large beer garden is a great place to reconnect with friends or enjoy a family lunch in the sunshine.

The Moorings @ Myton

The inside of the Moorings @ Myton in Leamington Spa had a substantial face lift during lockdown last year but one thing hasn’t changed; the beautiful canal side patio area to soak up that sunshine.

Escape to the shade under their large umbrellas and enjoy one of their delicious deli boards or treat yourself to an Aubrey Allen burger, washed down with a cold, draught pint of beer. Sounds heavenly, right? We still can’t believe we are able to visit again. Best book a table to be certain you can visit with your loved ones soon!

Hatton Arms, Hatton Locks

The Hatton Arms in Warwick is an idyllic location for a pub garden. With views overlooking the canal and surrounding countryside, we are looking forward to sitting back and tucking in to some of their quality dishes again. Sourcing their produce from the Hatton Estate and other local suppliers, the team work hard to create delicious dishes celebrating their local ingredients.

They have recently refurbished their terrace area with a fully covered section and lighting; perfect for dining outdoors. Enjoy their outdoor heating and blankets for those chilly evening meals out and indulge in the beautifully scenic views. The Hatton Arms have also been preparing their new private celebration area, in preparation for when we can gather in larger groups again. Now taking bookings, start planning your next party for up to 30 people in their marquee overlooking the canal.

We recommend booking a table if you are planning to eat, with options available on the terrace and in their new marquee if you can’t get a booking for indoors. But you can also walk in and enjoy a couple of drinks on one of their picnic tables.

The Old Coffee Tavern, Warwick

Tucked between St Mary’s Church and the square in Warwick, The Old Coffee Tavern is a little different to our other choices. This walled Victorian garden is a hidden little paradise in Warwick, with wrought iron victorian style furniture and plenty of flowers providing rich colour. The staff at the Old Coffee Tavern are welcoming you back to their Secret Garden but space is limited, so it’s best to book your table here.

Enjoy the small but mighty patio garden and indulge in your favourite real ales and cooked meats in the sunshine. As well as some delicious vegan options on the menu and choices for children, there really is no reason not to visit The Old Coffee Tavern. They also offer rooms at the site which can be reserved via their website.

The Saxon Mill, Warwick

The Saxon Mill in Warwick is a popular spot for gourmet dining, beautiful views and exceptional customer service. With a courtyard overlooking the river and extraordinary views of Guys Cliffe, it really is a perfect spot to revisit. The surrounding landscape isn’t the only reason to visit; the team at the Saxon Mill work hard to deliver delicious dishes and a relaxing experience for its customers. So alongside this historic building, you can indulge in a little escape from the city with some delicious drinks and food, and probably some long awaited company.

The Saxon Mill is now fully reopen and offering their full Spring menu, which can be enjoyed indoors or alfresco.  Book your table online today.

The Black Pug, Warwick

Renamed last year, the old Millwright Arms in Warwick has been taken on by the Beer and Coffee Co; owners of other much loved Pug pubs in Warwickshire including The Royal Pug and The Fat Pug. The Black Pug boasts a massive garden with a generous amount of seating for you to enjoy. Just as all the Pug sites, it is of course Dog Friendly too.

Hosting Garden takeovers for food and beer trucks, a canopy and shaded area for seating and plenty of events planned for when restrictions are eased, The Black Pug is a well loved neighbourhood pub you will definitely want to visit.

They are now running their full menu since the latest easing of restrictions, so you can enjoy some of the Black Pug favourites such as Pizzas and their delicious Sunday Roast options. Catch up with friends in the Spring sunshine this Bank Holiday weekend over a few drinks and you can even grab an authentic greek gyro from the pop up Big Malakas food truck in the garden. Just turn up and the team will be pleased to see you or you can book a table on their website.

The Rose & Crown, Wolston

The Rose & Crown in Wolston, Coventry has a decked area where you can relax in the shade or avoid the wet weather. They also have seating on the grass with picnic tables, a marquee and even a children’s play area.

The team at The Rose & Crown have been working hard to make sure their awesome pub garden is fit for use as we navigate the current restrictions. Each table has its own QR code to be scanned for checking into the NHS Track & Trace and there is substantial space between tables so every party can keep well beyond 2 metres apart. With proper pub grub and a wide selection of drinks on offer too, it’s a great spot to take the family for a meal or catch up with friends. They have recently launched their new spring menu, with options for vegetarians and vegans too.

Navigation Inn, Lapworth

The Navigation Inn in Lapworth is over 100 years old and is the only pub in the UK which serves Guinness on a traditional hand pull. With a large car park and a canal side garden, this country pub is a delightful spot to visit in Warwickshire.

Dog Friendly (inside and out), The Navigation Inn is ran by a dedicated landlord duo who have utilised their expertise and passion to create a welcoming pub where you can enjoy delicious home cooked food and carefully selected and looked after ales. If you’re taking a walk along the canal over the weekend, stop in for breakfast in their garden. They also have free moorings available on the canal.

If you want to visit the Navigation Inn, they are running on a first come first served basis but are also taking bookings for tables under their new canopy. Book your table here.

Generators, The Telegraph Hotel, Coventry

And we thought we’d finish on a high. Sky high; Who doesn’t love a rooftop garden?

The newly opened Telegraph Hotel in Coventry’s city centre celebrates a rich history for the city and from last week the rooftop bar, The Generators has officially opened up. Already showcasing dreamy, photo worthy (and drink worthy) cocktails and tapas, this is the new hot spot for nights out with friends.

Enjoy overlooking Coventry’s Belgrade Square from the top of the  Telegraph Hotel, the historic former premises of the Coventry Evening Telegraph.

If you’re worried about the erratic weather too, each table is covered and has its own individual heater, plus there is a box of umbrellas and blankets for you to use if you need further protection from the elements. Whilst you relax on the rooftop catching up with your loved ones, the staff work hard to produce delicious, photo worthy cocktails and hot and cold tapas options.

With the run up to Coventry’s City of Culture, bookings are going quickly for this hip rooftop bar so be sure to book your table here.

Some of your favourite picks for Warwickshire pub gardens include;

The Birdingbury Village Club, Rugby for its extensive drinks selection.

The Newbold Comyn Arms, Leamington provides beautiful views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.

The Nursery Tavern, Coventry offers a delicious selection of real ales.

So if you’ve got a favourite spot we haven’t mentioned, let us know!!!! Tag us on social media @thewarwickshirereview in your favourite local beer gardens and watering holes that deserve a mention. 

Written by Heather Marie Willis