The sun is here and it seems it’s not going anywhere, so the best thing we can do is try to stay *ahem* hydrated. We felt that it was our public duty to put together 5 of our fave water holes for a hot sunny day! This list by no means exhaustive, so expect a follow-up! TOP TIP – Go for halfs or bottles cause when your drinking in the sun the pints tend to get hot before you finish them and no one likes a warm beer!
Oodles of space, an outdoor bar, and shade if needed. Slap bang in the middle of cathedral quarter and spitting distance to VS, so it’s close to the shops as well. They do some decent grub as well as a good pint. The only thing cooler than the beer is the decor!
Through the mix of styles and eclectic dressings of the front bar lies a big ol’ area to sit out the back and imbibe. An outdoor bar, some great cocktails, upper floor seating for a better view and, as long as they haven’t lit the fire , a great place to cool off.
Whilst the upper outdoor smoking area might be functional and fit the bill for an outdoor drink, it’s sitting out the front on the pavement that we prefer. For the rock music orientated the soundtrack is always good, and for everyone else, it’s a prime spot for a cold beer and some ace people watching.
I mean it’s the grand-daddy of them all for an outside drink, isn’t it? Inside is all class and outside is every bit as good. The cobbled street, the brill retro signage and the all important drink in hand. A wee walk down the umbrella tunnel into have a look at the murals and as long as it above 14 degrees you could almost be on holiday! If it’s good enough for Eamonn it’s good enough for the rest of us.
Through that cage, past the session musicians and out the door at the end of the bar lies a kind of beer garden Narnia, but with less lions. The sunflower is known for a great pint and a great range of beers but out the back lies a sizable beer garden that catches the rays and even some wood-fired pizzas should you fancy. Spend some time taking in the painted walls, choose from the variety of garden furniture to sit on and enjoy the heat. There’s enough room to swing a cat and then some but the best part is you can even take your dog with you! Dog-friendly beer gardens always get our vote.
