Picturesque pubs for a post-lockdown pint

There are few finer pleasures than sitting by a river or canal in summer – cold drink in hand. With the bitter winter weather on its way out and pub gardens given the green light to reopen from April 12, a balmy few months of al fresco drinking and dining are now upon us.

Here are the seven best pub gardens around the UK to book now.

The Sun Inn, Essex

With bunting strung up and marquees and deck chairs spilling across the lawn, the garden at The Sun Inn has the charming feel of a village fete. The pub sits in Dedham, in the heart of Constable Country on the Essex Suffolk border. A village church spire peeps over the garden hedge.

The outdoor bar is open for drinks Friday to Sunday from April 16, 12pm until 6pm. Bar snacks, such as handmade sausage rolls, will be available to buy and visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics.