Meet the GBPA finalists for Best Pub Garden sponsored by Diageo

The Three Hills, Bartlow​​

The Three Hills pub in Cambridge offers a beautifully presented outdoor area, which can be enjoyed all-year round thanks to the canopy and heaters.

Decorated in a Scandi style both outside and in, the pubs garden seating oozes luxury and comfort with soft furnishings and blankets adorning rustic wooden seats, complimented by an outdoor pizza oven.

Inside, the pub does not disappoint, with the entrance via a traditional-style pub bar which leads onto an immaculate and bright dining room.

Events are also a strong point for the Three Hills with outdoor cinema nights, weddings, family orientated events, live music, and art classes among the offering and rooms also available.

Cock N Bull, Stourbridge ​​

The Cock N Bull in Stourbridge, West Midlands, invites customers to enjoy a tropical beach-style garden area with exotic décor and graffiti artwork from local artists.

Hosting a variety of events including DJs, markets and guest vendors, the Cock N Bull offers a cool, urban setting with a paradisal feel.

For those feeling brave, the pub also has its own “house of pain challenge”. To make it onto the wall of fame and win a t shirt, entrants have six minutes to eat six super spicy hot wings followed by six minutes “burning time”.  

As well as the Hop 666 challenge, the pub distils its own gin, available onsite.

The Castle, Edgehill​​

Overlooking the rolling hills at the historic site of the battle of Edgehill, sits the Castle at Edgehill pub in Banbury, offering idyllic views across Warwickshire in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.

Inside, the 17th century pub is immaculately kept and indicative of the sites history while the bar offers a wide range of products to be enjoyed whilst taking in the views from the garden.

The Castle hosts a variety of events including hog roasts, gin nights, gin schools, it even boasts its own distillery hidden on the roof, and weddings as well as having rooms.

Tamworth Brewing Co, Tamworth​​

Overlooked by Tamworth Castle, a visit to Tamworth Brewing Co (Tamworth Tap), is an unforgettable experience.

With an onsite micro-brewery and outdoor smokehouse kitchen, there’s lots to try at this pub.

Entering the garden through a Belgium-style bar, the outdoor space feels like a medieval fairy-tale with hops growing around and immaculately presented flowers placed around the garden.

History lovers will enjoy this site, with historic brewing artefacts which have been gifted or loaned by local museums on display.

Visitors to this pub can all expect a warm welcome and a guaranteed good experience. 

Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton​​

Redefining what a pub garden can be, set across a vast grassland with beautiful wildflowers is the Gaggle of Geese Pub in Buckland Newton which has something for all ages.

From a mini-golf course to an indoor skittle alley, to a bus converted into a soft play zone and outdoor play area with tents on-site for those who want to make the most of their pub visit, this site is one the whole family can enjoy.

As well as hosting a variety of events, including music festivals and theatre shows, the pub boasts strong links with its surrounding community with art by local artists available to purchase throughout the pub.

Sustainability was also key for the Gaggle of Geese, which grows some of its own produce, including garlic and herbs used in the kitchen and a variety of fruit in its orchard for juice sold onsite. The resident goats also enjoy the local produce.

The Cott Inn, Dorchester​​

Visitors to the Cott Inn, Dartington, will not be disappointed. The outdoor area has ample seating, a marquee, outdoor heating and its own open outdoor kitchen and dining area.

With ingredients such as herbs and some vegetables grown onsite, the Cott's food offering sets the bar high and is definitely worth a visit for food lovers, made all the more enjoyable by sitting in the outdoor dining area watching the kitchen prepare meals.

Inside, the Cott, which also has rooms, offers a classic British pub setting, while the more traditional décor is in stark contrast to the ultra-modern garden area, it works well and means there is something for everyone.  

The GBPA 2022 awards will be held at Escape to Freight Island, Manchester on Tuesday 4 October 2022.