In the cities, towns, and sleepy villages of the West Midlands, beloved pub gardens are opening up and inviting customers in for a drink and a meal. The pub - and, by extension, the pub garden - is an emblem of British summertime.
We’ve picked out our favourite pubs with gardens across the county of the West Midlands, along with some honourable mentions from the wider region.
Best Pub Gardens in Birmingham
Birmingham is full of excellent pubs, some quaint and cosy, others modern and expansive, and many with gardens to enjoy the summer sun. If you’re planning to visit any of these pub gardens in Birmingham by train, be sure to hop on a CrossCountry service to Birmingham New Street.
The Plough
Located in the charming village of Harborne, southwest of Birmingham city centre, is The Plough. Among the hundreds of pubs also named after ploughs, a historically popular name in agricultural areas, this one stands out for its wonderful garden. It features a wooden canopy that has been thoughtfully built around the existing trees to cause as little disturbance as possible.
The garden’s overall vibe blends beautifully with the area’s abundant foliage, and the warm, welcoming lighting adds to the ambience, making it the perfect spot for an intimate evening meal or a catch-up with friends.
The Plough is a twenty-minute bus journey from Birmingham New Street.
The Old Crown
The Old Crown has stood on Digbeth High Street for over 650 years, serving as a beloved third place in the city throughout that time and surviving both civil wars and world wars. From the Tudor-style building, with dark oak timbers and a steeply pitched roof, protrudes a golden crown that invites visitors in from far and wide.
The Old Crown boasts a generous outdoor space featuring colourful murals, warm fairy lights, and plenty of bench seating - perfect for gathering with friends and enjoying one of their regular pub quizzes.
The Old Crown is a seventeen-minute walk from Birmingham New Street, or just thirteen minutes from Birmingham Moor Street.
The Blue Piano
The Blue Piano doesn’t look too much like a pub at first glance, more like a charming family home, but don’t be deceived, visitors are warmly welcomed. Located in Edgbaston, the venue specialises in Southeast Asian cuisine (think Vietnam, Singapore, and Cambodia) and features an actual blue piano, often played during their regular live music events.
The courtyard garden is a sunny haven, filled with thriving tropical plants and comfy sofas. In the summer, the outdoor space comes alive with live music, and their cocktail shack opens up, making a sunny visit here especially fun.
The Blue Piano is a thirty-minute walk from Birmingham New Street, or you can hop on the West Midlands Metro from Grand Central to Edgbaston Village.
Best Pub Gardens in Coventry
Make the most of the good weather by taking your family and friends to a pub garden in Coventry. You can catch a train to Coventry station with CrossCountry from nearby locations such as Leamington Spa or Nuneaton.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion in Walsgrave, Coventry, is located close to Coombe Country Park, making it a fantastic place to reward yourself after a lovely, long walk. Their menu features an exciting range of food, from delicious curries to stacked burgers to fish and chips. You can also pay a visit on a Sunday for their mouthwatering roast dinner selection. Their dog-friendly garden has plenty of seating available, overlooked by the beautiful 17th-century red brick pub.
There are multiple buses available from Coventry station to The Red Lion, they usually take around forty minutes.
The Millpool
The Millpool is a relaxed pub on Hipswell Highway, promising great food, great service, and a great beer garden. Perhaps the most defining feature of their garden is the lily pods – comfortable and private outdoor spaces that are bookable for meals and ideal for some quiet time in what can be a popular and bustling pub.
Alongside the pods, they also have their beer garden – a green open space with plenty of seating. The venue has plenty of fun events to attend on a regular basis, like lively quiz nights. They also have a comprehensive menu with lots of sharing options and kids' bites.
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is everything a country pub should be, with a rustic exterior, a cosy dining room, and a beautiful beer garden. They even have a dedicated dog menu, featuring Sunday roast flavoured treat pots, woof bars, and a chicken and passionfruit paw star martini!
The pub is situated in the small village of Brandon, and their quaint front terrace is the perfect place for a delicious meal and a refreshing drink in the sun.
Best Pub Gardens in Wolverhampton
The pub gardens in Wolverhampton are the place to be when the weather warms up. If you’re visiting the city by train, you can catch a CrossCountry service to Wolverhampton station from areas such as Manchester Piccadilly and Macclesfield.
The Mermaid
The Mermaid has stood since 1780, once part of Wightwick Manor. Today, a visit will reward you with an enticing selection of cask ales and fine wines, a hearty menu, and an idyllic garden decorated with floral hanging baskets, purple wisteria, and parasols for shade. Whether you’ve had a restorative country walk along the canal or an exploration of the nearby Wightwick Manor, The Mermaid is the perfect finish line for a summer's day.
You can catch a bus to The Mermaid in twenty-five minutes from Wolverhampton bus station, a five-minute walk from the train station.
The Two Greens
The Two Greens is a dog-friendly and family-friendly pub located in Tettenhall. They boast a varied menu with vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options. The pub itself is surrounded by greenery and features a stepped garden with plenty of seating. The space is decorated head to toe in fairy lights and offers a beautiful vista of the area. Sit down, tuck into your meal, and enjoy the lovely atmosphere.
The Two Greens is a twelve-minute bus ride from Wolverhampton station and then a further five-minute walk.
The Anchor Inn
In the quaint little suburb of Coven, you’ll find The Anchor Inn, a traditional pub with community at its heart. The garden here is spacious, complete with parasols, picnic tables, and plenty of greenery. It’s the perfect place to gather on sunny weekends for a good meal and a chat alongside the canal.
Inside, you’ll find a menu full of pub favourites and a wide range of ales, ciders, and soft drinks. If you’re after a relaxing afternoon in a welcoming atmosphere, The Anchor Inn is a great shout.
Best Pub Gardens in the Surrounding Areas
We know that, when it comes to pub gardens, you can’t always stick to the city. The countryside of the West Midlands region boasts some darling villages and towns and if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, these are often the best places to visit.
Newbold Comyn Arms, Leamington Spa
Set within the expansive Newbold Comyn Park, this friendly, family-run pub is a perfect pitstop on a walk around Leamington Spa. The garden at the Newbold Comyn Arms is open and inviting, with picnic benches sprinkled across the grass and views of the surrounding nature.
It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors, especially during the warmer months when the barbecue comes out and live music events take place. Dogs are welcome, kids can run around, and there's plenty of space for everyone to enjoy a chilled-out afternoon.
You can reach Leamington Spa station with CrossCountry from various locations across the UK, including Birmingham and Coventry.
The Fig & Olive, Sutton Coldfield
Leafy green Sutton Coldfield can be found just north of Birmingham, and the local watering hole, The Fig & Olive, has one of the best pub gardens in the area. The garden is modern and comfortable and surrounded by a colourful canopy of trees, giving the area a serene feel.
The menu features plenty of seasonal specials, plus dedicated lobster nights throughout the year! It’s a popular choice for couples and small groups looking for a bit of luxury.
The Fig & Olive is near to Tamworth station, which is served by CrossCountry. You can access Tamworth from various areas across the UK by train, including Burton-on-Trent and Derby.
The Dog and Doublet Inn, Stafford
The Dog and Doublet Inn is a beautiful country pub with a warm feel and a beautifully kept garden. The garden is spacious and peaceful, complete with picnic benches and views of the surrounding village. The building is a pleasing mix of traditional architecture and modern features, like the huge arched window that allows light to spill into the dining room.
The pub is both dog-friendly and popular with walkers exploring nearby routes along the Trent and Mersey Canal.
The Dog and Doublet Inn is located in Sandon, a village close to Stafford. You can head to Stafford station by train with CrossCountry, just hop aboard a service from locations such as Cheltenham Spa and Wolverhampton.
If you’re planning to visit some pubs with gardens while the weather is nice, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
- Author:
- Abby
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- Food And Drink
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