Many pubs are opening their doors this weekend - wooo hooo! Want to know which beautiful beer gardens are your best bets in Herts and Beds? Here's our Muddy guide to the top rose quaffing spots in our counties.

HERTFORDSHIRE

Dylans – The Plough, Sleapshyde
Foodies and craft beer connoisseurs (aaaand wine lovers) step this way! Take a seat in the gorgeous garden of the brilliantly re-imagined 17th century pub, Dylans – The Plough. Treat yourself to gorgeous gastro grub, perfect pints and a bottle (or two) from the fantastic wine list. The team behind Dylans – with sister establishment Dylans – The Kings Arms in St Albans – have really got their winning formula nailed. So be sure to check it out.

The Prae Wood Arms, St Albans
On the edge of the glorious Gorhambury Estate, just outside St Albans, is the rather grand Prae Wood Arms (complete with spectacular sweeping driveway). The spacious garden, positioned on the elegant terrace, looks out at a gorgeous view over the River Ver and surrounding fields. Aaaand it’s not the end of the world if rain forces you inside, as the interior decor is smashing.

The Alford Arms, Frithsden

This great village pub is just so pretty. And The Alford Arms‘ lively beer garden is the perfect place for soaking up the rays and chatting away the afternoon with a glass of two. It was named Hertfordshire Dining Pub of the Year by THE GOOD PUB GUIDE for the TENTH time last year and won Best Pub in the 2019 Muddy Awards. And, by the way, you can currently win £200 to spend at this fab pub with our latest Reader Treat!

The Fox at Willian, errr Willian

This idyllically located, AA Rosette award winning, pub is nestled just by the church looking out onto the village green and a tranquil pond. It even has rooms, so you could park up and make a real weekend of it. There are some great local walks nearby, for when you’re tired of quaffing rose in the sun (as if. LOL).

The Fox & Duck, Therfield
Another foxy contender, this friendly local pub describes itself as a ‘well disguised gastro pub’ – love that! Soak up the local vibes (and a few rays) while tucking into some top notch grub. Why not make a day of it? The nearby Royston Heath Nature Reserve is perfect for a pre-pint ramble, and there are complimentary dog treats and water bowls at the bar. Woof woof.

BEDFORDSHIRE

The Red Lion, Milton Bryan
Named as one of the Top Pubs with Gardens by the Sunday Times, only last week, this former coaching inn is a great bet for an open-air Bedfordshire bevy. The Red Lion’s historic facade is decorated with jolly traditional hanging baskets and the garden design includes lots of trad beer tables on the grass, aaand there’s also a new, very chic Rose-sipping terrace area, complete with elegant sun shades and lighting.

The George Inn, Maulden

The all-weather courtyard at The George Inn in Maulden ticks all the meteorological boxes for al fresco dining. Unexpected torrential rain, we’re ready for you! The restored 16th century pub is just gorgeously styled indoors, and that extends out into the garden – it’s even got an outdoor kitchen and gin bar which serves no less than 45 varieties (take me there immediately!).

The Plough at Bolnhurst, Bolnhurst
This passionately independent pub (right on!) has been meticulously refurbished inside and out, with the cosy but clean vibe extending to the garden area. The Plough’s chic terrace is decked out in smart navy tables, with matching umbrellas, and there are gorgeous armchairs if you want to get seriously laid back (complete with colourful blankets in case it gets a bit chilly).

The Grove Lock, Leighton Buzzard
Location, location, location! This fab Fuller’s pub sits on the side of a lock (as you might’ve guessed from the name). Grab a glass of wine, take a seat and watch the canal boats navigate the levers and lock gates right in front of you – sounds like excellent sport, to me! And don’t fret – the garden is safely fenced off and safe for the young’uns to run around in.

George IV , Great Amwell

The Historic exterior of the George IV might fool you into thinking this is just another village local. but, you’d be wrong. This gem (I would kill for it in my village) is in fact a tastefully refurbed gastro pub, with serious character. The awesome terrace is a glorious place to sip rose on a sunny afternoon. And the beer garden is undergoing a facelift of its own. So make sure to check it out.