Herts &amp; Beds

<p>I was writing about The Red Lion at Milton Bryan! In my message lol</p>


<p>Agreed, it&#8217;s been my favourite pub for years. Foods not cheap but it&#8217;s excellent. Love the plant &amp; produce stall opposite at the thatched cottage too, be sure to take cash to spend, amazing pickled shallots, chutneys &amp; jams</p>


<p>The Red lion Milton Bryan has really utilised its out door space, lovely covered areas beautiful gardens and fabulous food &amp; drink of course. Well worth a visit</p>


<p>The Black horse is Chorleywood is gorgeous too!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-grove-lock-leighton-buzzard"><a href="https://www.grovelock.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grove Lock</a>, Leighton Buzzard</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Thegrovelock-1000x667.jpg" alt="The grove lock" class="wp-image-95268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Thegrovelock-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Thegrovelock-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Thegrovelock.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy a cheeky canal side tipple? The Grove Lock&#8217;s garden has sunny vibes written all over it. Gather the gang and try the new seasonal drinks menu &#8211; it&#8217;s packed with fruity flavours including the refreshing Sarti Spritz. All that&#8217;s left to do is sip, savour and celebrate the official start of summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephant-amp-castle-wheathampsted"><a href="https://www.theelephantandcastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elephant &amp; Castle</a>, Wheathampsted</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Elephantcastleusethis-1000x667.jpg" alt="Elephant&amp;castle pub" class="wp-image-95265" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Elephantcastleusethis-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Elephantcastleusethis-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Elephantcastleusethis.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fresh from a recent refurb and newly reopened this month, the Elephant &amp; Castle features a spacious lawn, a children&#8217;s play area and a charming garden tipi. Add an extensive food and drinks menu and a dog-friendly welcome, and it&#8217;s easy to see why it&#8217;s worth a visit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blacksmith-arms-st-albans"><a href="https://www.socialpubandkitchen.co.uk/blacksmiths-arms-st-albans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blacksmith Arms</a>, St Albans</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Blacksmitharmsuse-1000x667.jpg" alt="Blacksmith arms st albans" class="wp-image-95270" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Blacksmitharmsuse-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Blacksmitharmsuse-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Blacksmitharmsuse.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With its colourful beach huts and sun-trap garden, the Blacksmith Arms is  made for summer socials. Grab a bite to eat, sample a cocktail (or two) and settle in for the afternoon (or evening too). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-george-inn-maulden"><strong><a href="https://thegeorgemaulden.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The George Inn</a>, Maulden </strong> </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Georgemaulden-1000x667.jpg" alt="George Inn" class="wp-image-94973" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Georgemaulden-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Georgemaulden-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Georgemaulden.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The all-weather courtyard at The George is just the place to while away the bank holiday with friends and waggy-tailed companions. This 16th century pub is just gorgeously styled indoors and the courtyard garden is a total beaut – it’s even got an outdoor kitchen. Pizza with a side of sunshine? Yes, please!  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fox-at-willian-letchworth"><strong><a href="https://www.foxatwillian.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fox at Willian</a></strong>, Letchworth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Thefoxatwillen-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Fox at Willian" class="wp-image-94975" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Thefoxatwillen-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Thefoxatwillen-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/Thefoxatwillen.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>What better spot to enjoy a glass of chilled Chablis than at this idyllically located, award winning gastro pub, which overlooks the village green and pond at the front, and has a stunning Mediterranean style courtyard garden at the back &#8211; complete with outdoor bar and olive trees. You could even make a break of it and book into one of the gorgeously decorated garden rooms for the night. Plus there are some great local walks nearby, and there&#8217;ll be a chilled glass of something waiting for you when you return. Outdoor tables are bookable and walk-ins are accommodated where possible. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-prae-wood-arms-st-albans"><strong><a href="https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/praewoodarms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Prae Wood Arms</a>, St Albans</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Praewood-1000x667.jpg" alt="the Prae Wood Arms" class="wp-image-94974" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Praewood-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Praewood-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Praewood.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Like your pub gardens on the grand side? On the edge of the glorious Gorhambury Estate, just outside St Albans, the Prae Wood Arms (complete with spectacular sweeping driveway) ticks all the boxes. Spacious garden, elegant terrace flanked by lavender beds, and gorgeous view (over the River Ver and surrounding fields no less). With sunshine incoming this bank holiday, what better excuse to grab a picnic bench, soak up the waether and enjoy their BBQ.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-jolly-fisherman-st-margarets"><strong><a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/local-pub/jolly-fisherman/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jolly Fisherman</a>, St Margarets </strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/JollyFishermanware-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Jolly fisherman" class="wp-image-94979" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/JollyFishermanware-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/JollyFishermanware-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/JollyFishermanware-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/JollyFishermanware-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/JollyFishermanware-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/JollyFishermanware.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Location, location, location! This fab McMullen pub sits right on the edge of the River Lea. Grab a glass of something chilled, take a seat outside and watch the canal boats navigate the waters right in front of you. Fancy a cocktail in the sunshine? Grab a friend and enjoy 2 for £14 this bank holiday weekend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-plume-of-feathers-tewin"><a href="https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/hertfordshire/plume-of-feathers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plume of Feathers</a>, Tewin</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Plumefeatherstewin-1000x667.jpg" alt="the plume of feathers " class="wp-image-94993" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Plumefeatherstewin-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Plumefeatherstewin-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Plumefeatherstewin.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With its wooden beams, flagstone floors and cosy décor, The Plume of Feathers in Tewin is seriously inviting. But there&#8217;s more to this place than original 15th century features &#8211; step outside and discover the idyllic garden featuring picnic tables, a children&#8217;s play area and gorgeous countryside views. Rural bliss. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.theswordinnhand.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sword Inn Hand</a>, near Buntingford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SwordInnhand3-1000x667.jpg" alt="Sword Inn Hand" class="wp-image-92012" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SwordInnhand3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SwordInnhand3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/SwordInnhand3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The village location of this 14th century free house, just a mile south of Buntingford in Westmill, couldn&#8217;t get much more picturesque, with its rows of pretty cottages and views of the local church and open countryside. With a sunny bank holiday weekend forecast, step outside and choose between not one, but two pretty patios &#8211; the first shaded by a wisteria and grape vine canopy and the second with parasol covered seating. Or you can take a pew on the relaxed pub benches in the rear garden and spend hours gazing at the rolling fields, chilled glass in hand.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more-try-these">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? TRY THESE:</h2>



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<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/tennis-ace-oliver-tarvet-on-mental-strength-tough-training-and-the-unmatched-feeling-of-victory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy meets St Albans tennis ace Oliver Tarvet</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/outdoor-art-sculpture-walks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walks of art: Where to see outdoor sculptures in Herts, Beds &amp; beyond</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/festivals/summer-festivals-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your HOT summer festival guide: Book these in Herts &amp; Beds now</a></li>
</ul>


Brilliant pub gardens to visit locally this weekend

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