Meet the GBPA nominees: Best Pub Garden sponsored by Southern Comfort
This category seeks to recognise pubs who have increased business through the development of a spectacular outdoor space.
The Anchor Inn, Wingham, Kent
From having been a “jungle” five years ago when licensee Kevin Abbott arrived at his new business, the Anchor Inn now boasts a space that is attracting customers from far and wide.
Much time spent clearing and then nurturing has paid off and the Wingham, Canterbury-based business now features a diverse outdoor space which has a beautiful, shingled outside dining area shaded by sails, with six large tables and benches specially built to accommodate up to 12 people each.
In the rear garden, Kevin and his team have created an outside stage for music events.
Wheelchair and pushchair access is gained by a purpose-built ramp, and the creation of a chicken run, as well as a very big log-fired barbeque, ensures the pub’s garden proves a strong draw for visitors.
The Boathouse, Chester, Cheshire
Not many operations can boast a floating beer garden, but the Boathouse on the banks of the River Dee in Chester certainly can. Living up to its nautical name, the pub recently extended its outdoor space with the creation of a floating barge terrace, linked to the pub by a gangway, which has provided the popular venue with almost 200 more outdoor covers.
Away from the barge, a riverside terrace features heated beach huts, with tables and bench seats, and a mobile service point outside means customers don’t have to go far to order.
Both the terrace and barge are adorned with fresh and colourful seasonal flowers. A recent addition has seen the installation of a barbecue on the terrace, from which the pub can offer alfresco dining opportunities.
The Fighting Cocks, Horton Kirby, Kent
With a one-and-a-half-acre garden bordered at the bottom by a gently meandering river, this is a pub garden to die for and it is no surprise that it’s a popular draw for the Fighting Cocks.
A fully licensed bespoke gazebo sits at one end of the land, and regular garden events and weekly barbecues have proven a hit with visitors to this operation near Dartford in Kent.
Solid maintenance and investment – which will see the current, impressive play area extended even further at a cost of several thousand pounds – makes this a great garden to relax in the sunshine. More than 65 garden tables provide plenty of space for guests and create opportunity for 350 covers in addition to the 150 inside.
While the play equipment proves a big hit with visiting children, the small menagerie of chickens and rabbits creates excitement as well.
The Club House, Liverpool
Situated at the heart of the new Liverpool One development, the Club House offers a touch of Hampton Beach glamour amid the surrounding shops and restaurants.
During the summer months, the Club House’s garden becomes an extension of
the surrounding Chavasse Park, a huge community attraction in Liverpool.
Recent developments saw owners New World Trading Company add an outdoor stage, which was subsequently extended to broaden the scope for performances.
This is not just a garden for the summer however, and the company has created a winter marquee, allowing it to host a range of events and activities in colder months which have proven
a smash hit with regulars. It has also extended its terraced area and fitted heaters to keep diners
warm year-round.
Heatons Bridge Inn, Lancashire
Situated alongside the Leeds/Liverpool canal and with views of rolling countryside, this is a garden to be proud of.
A vast array of flower boxes and baskets has seen the pub win numerous awards, and recent investment into new decking and bespoke picnic tables along with a new games table and smoking shelter make this a popular draw for residents in the Ormskirk and wider Lancashire area.
A strong emphasis on events draws people to Heatons Bridge, with one of the standout dates being the Military Vehicles weekend which sees the pub garden dominated by tanks!
The canalside location, which offers such an attractive outdoor space, brings in lots of visitors, including walkers and people holidaying on narrow boats, which also helps to spread the word about this charming venue far and wide.
Waterside Inn, Ware, Herfordshire
The Waterside Inn at Ware has seen what was once a derelict space superbly transformed into an alluring garden which makes the most of its riverside location.
With clever landscaping design ensuring year-round foliage, and a recycling and renovation approach, this is a garden that, with its natural wood-stained tables and bursts of colourful furniture, has great character and an appealing quirkiness.
Two hand-built decking areas, one an elevated feature which is often a platform for live music, are adorned with charismatic lighting, hanging baskets, planters and flame gas heaters which help create a magical atmosphere. An outside bar constructed from old apple crates completes the picture.
The garden regularly plays host to bands, events and fetes.
Tickets for the Great British Pub Awards can be bought by phoning 01293 846508. For more information about the event visit its dedicated website.
