With pubs finally reopening across Norfolk, head to one of these brilliant beer gardens this summer and unwind with your family and friends over a pint.
1. Nelson Head
The Street, Horsey
This popular pub boasts a huge beer garden looking out onto open fields and there are plenty of benches to sit on, which are all well spaced out, and some are under gazebos for those looking for shade or with dogs. At the moment, the inside of the pub is closed and all customers are served from a hatch at the front with plastic cups and takeaway boxes for food, with options such as burgers and fish and chips.
2. The Green Dragon
6 Church Street, Wymondham
The Green Dragon, which dates back to the 14th century, boasts a stunning beer garden and while customers are unable to eat or drink inside for the time being, they can book a table outside with the menu on a giant blackboard. The garden is surrounded by flowers and plants and there are benches undercover too if it is raining.
3. The Ferry Inn
The Green, Stokesby
Offering stunning views of the River Bure, The Ferry Inn has reopened its garden only and the order point is outside the front door. It is an Adnams pub, so you can expect their full range of beers, and they offer pub classics and roasts on Sunday. During lockdown, they also opened a village shop which sells local produce alongside homemade sweet treats such as brownies and cheesecake.
4. Rushcutters Arms
46 Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew
The Rushcutters Arms has reopened and is offering full table service in both its restaurant and garden, which is located on the bank of the River Yare. Customers also have the option to order food and drink through the Greene King app, where they can see the menu and pay, and options include gourmet pies and grills.
5. The Fur and Feather
Slad Lane, Woodbastwick
The Fur and Feather is Woodforde’s brewery tap and once you’ve finished drinking award-winning beers in the garden you can buy some to take home. They are doing table-service only at the moment and running their bar menu as well as serving brunch dishes from 10am to 12pm Monday to Saturday.
6. The Jolly Sailors
Main Road, Brancaster Staithe
A firm favourite with families, you can book a table inside or outside at The Jolly Sailors this summer and on a warm day you’ll definitely want to be in the garden. They have a play area to keep children entertained and colourful beach huts where customers can order food and drink.
7. The Ffolkes
Lynn Road, Hillington
The Ffolkes pub and restaurant had a huge refurbishment in 2017 and its stunning garden feels like it is in the middle of a forest with wooden canopies and a huge adventure playground for children.
8. The Unthank Arms
149 Newmarket Street, Norwich
Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, The Unthank Arms boasts a spacious beer garden, with plenty of seats undercover too, and offers real ales, ciders and over 30 wines. In the week they serve pub classics and on Sundays their roast is very popular, with options including Blythburgh shoulder of pork and a vegan nut roast.
9. The Kings Head
Holt Road, Letheringsett
Nestled just outside Holt, The Kings Head boasts a beautiful garden surrounded by parkland and there are always plenty of real ales on tap and the menu is packed with seasonal dishes. The garden is also perfect for children as there is a play area with a climbing tower.
10. The Worlds End
Norwich Road, Mulbarton
A firm favourite with locals, The Worlds End has a fully-enclosed large garden with spaced out benches and parasols and there is also an adventure play area. The chefs use local produce as much as possible for their dishes and options include fish pie, catch of the day and curry.
11. Gibraltar Gardens
288 Heigham Street, Norwich
New landlords Jason and Julia Carter, who took over in December 2019, have implemented social distancing in style with VIP pods and a fine dining marquee in the garden. They have also relaunched the pub as a steakhouse and have live music nights planned for the summer.
12. The Plough
58 St Benedicts Street, Norwich
Located in the Norwich Lanes and owned by Grain Brewery, this beer garden is a hidden haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and alongside a great range of beers there are tasty cocktails too.
13. Acle Bridge Inn
Old Road, Acle
A popular choice with Broads cruisers and locals alike, the Acle Bridge Inn offers scenic views of the River Bure from its large garden and it features a play area too. There are also 12 on-site moorings and alongside a great range of drinks they offer crowd-pleasing dishes, such as burgers and beef chilli with a separate gluten free menu.
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