Sunday roast and fish and chips are back on the menu as country pubs across England open their gardens, patios and terraces for outdoor dining. Almost all of the options below have al fresco dining options, and those that don’t will be welcoming guests indoors after Monday 17 May.
Please do not hesitate to become a member and get in touch if you have any dining-related queries or would like to make a reservation at any of the spots below – our team is here to help.
Hertfordshire and Essex country pubs
The Fox & Hounds, Barley
High Street, Barley, Royston SG8 8HY
A former coaching inn, this 350-year-old Grade-II spot is all about traditional techniques – smoking, curing and grilling local produce to perfection.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
The Cricketers, Clavering
Wicken Road, Clavering, Saffron Walden CB11 4QT
Framed by picturesque walking trails and thatched cottages, The Cricketers has been cooking up award-winning fare since 1976, elevating traditional country pub grub with freshly sourced ingredients.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
The Tilbury, Datchworth
1 Watton Road, Datchworth, Knebworth SG3 6TB
Run by a devoted brother duo, guests can choose between an à la carte menu of refined British cooking, or traditional country pub dishes like fish and chips, all created with the freshest ingredients.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
The Anchor, Hullbridge
Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Hockley SS5 6ND
Framed by the River Crouch and undulating hills, you can enjoy this waterfront location’s striking views from the large outdoor terrace or orangery while tucking into sophisticated country pub specials like sweet potato and chorizo hash.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
Kent and West Sussex
The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury
King Street, Fordwich, Canterbury CT2 0DB
Fordwich has this Michelin-starred pub to thank for putting it on the culinary map with its seasonal take on Kentish classics, making excellent use of what the county has to offer.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
The Poet at Matfield, Tonbridge
Maidstone Road, Matfield, Tonbridge TN12 7JH
Situated in the heart of the Kent countryside, this charming 16th-century inn looks towards its surrounding fields to stock its menu with fine seasonal produce, transformed into refined dishes.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
The Welldiggers Arms, Petworth
Low Heath, A283, Petworth GU28 0HG
Overlooking a coppice and the rolling South Downs, this rural spot sets the scene for a menu bursting with local flair, from ales and spirits to a British-inspired cuisine.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
The Coach and Horses, Haywards Heath
School Lane, Danehill, Haywards Heath RH17 7JF
Local breweries stock this family-run country pub with the finest ales and cider, complementing the fresh and seasonally charged menu that offers a range of pub classics.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire
The Mash Inn, High Wycombe
Horseshoe Road, Bennett End, Radnage, High Wycombe HP14 4EB
The menu of this rural outpost changes daily, spruced up with homegrown ingredients from the kitchen garden. Meat is grilled over wood felled nearby, emphasising the pub’s commitment to provenance.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
The Hind’s Head, Marlow
High Street, Bray SL6 2AB
As you would expect from a Michelin-starred, Heston Blumenthal-owned outpost, the food at this 15th-century coaching inn is inspired by historic British recipes and is nothing short of perfect.
Reopening 20 May.
The Angel on the Bridge, Henley-on-Thames
Thameside, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1BH
Perched on the banks of the River Thames, the terrace of this 1728 pub is the perfect spot to watch boats float by while enjoying some top-notch cooking.
Walk-in only terrace now open – indoor reservations from 17 May.
The Bottle & Glass Inn, Henley-on-Thames
Bones Lane, Binfield Heath, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4JT
You can dig into excellent doughy pizzas in this thatched outpost’s charming garden or peruse the à la carte menu in the restaurant, which offers many of the pub’s favourites.
Now open for al fresco reservations.
If you’re based in London and are looking ahead to the 17th May, check out our list of London’s most spacious dining rooms and best Chefs’ Tables.
