The Best Pub and Beer Gardens In Hampshire

If you're looking for The best Pub Gardens and Beer Gardens in Hampshire, then look no further. Take a read through our hand-picked list of the very best pub gardens and beer gardens with beautiful outdoor spaces that you have to visit this Summer. This ultimate guide includes pubs all around the county - so we are sure you will find a stunning spot to enjoy the perfect pint! We would recommend checking in with the pub to see their current opening times, menu choices, and availability. All you have to do is decide which one to visit first - cheers! 

The Watership Down Inn - Whitchurch, Basingstoke

The Watership Down Inn is nestled in the foot of the North Wessex Downs and overlooks the headwaters of the Test Valley. Situated in Freefolk, just outside of Whitchurch the pub dates back to the 1800s and was originally known as the Freefolk Arms. The Inn was then renamed in honour of the local author Richard Adams and his book Watership down which took it's name from the area close by. Their neighbours include the home of Bombay Sapphire gin and Hardy's cottage plants - winner of over 20 gold awards at Chelsea Flower Show. 
The pub is open every day of the week and serves scrumptious lunch and dinner menus - including vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian. They also offer a wide range of local real ales, specially selected from breweries within a 30-mile radius of the pub. The Inn also offers 7 stunning bedrooms so you can truly immerse yourself in the countryside and all its beautiful surroundings. 

The Greyhound On The Test - Stockbridge

This stunning pub dates back to the 1700s which oozes a wonderul warm feeling of a well-loved and enjoyed building. The pub backs onto the picturesque River Test and they offer fishing beat that can be booked out for a day or even weekend fishing. The area of Stockbridge is full of history and culture and a visit to The Greyhound is a must!

The A La Carte menu is available from Monday to Saturday and Sunday features their show-stopping roasts with all the trimmings. The Riverside Garden serves fresh woodfired pizzas and they will be starting a new Venture 'Wilds Kitchen' from May that celebrates locally sourced food in their Taste and Share Food Selection. We also hear that their Hot Smoked Test Trout Scotch Egg is to die for! 

The Mayfly - Test Valley

The Mayfly is one of the most iconic riverside pubs in Hampshire. Situated near Stockbridge and in the heart of the Test Valley, the garden boasts a large outdoor seating area will full tableside service. With its picturesque location offers delicious traditional pub meals, a diverse range of drinks - it's a great pitstop or place to enjoy some well-deserved grub after exploring the local walks and cycle routes.

The Shoe at Exton - South Downs

The Show Inn is located in the quaint village of Exton, in the heart of the Meon Valley on the South Downs Way. This pub offers the perfect rest bite after a busy day of walking in the South Downs with comforting home-cooked food - sourced from local suppliers, local real ales, and coffee using their own Hampshire Pantry coffee beans. Sit back and enjoy the stunning views of Old Winchester Hill whilst listening to the sound of the running river and birdsong in the pub garden! 

The Bat and Ball, Hambledon

One for the cricket fans - this is pub is steeped in cricket history and also has a selection of mouth-watering food and drink menus and plenty of space in their outdoor garden too. The Bat and Ball has all the qualities of a traditional English pub with great views of the Hampshire countryside and is opposite to the Broadhalfpenny Down cricket pitch. The tiny village of Hambledon has been fundamental to the sport that we know and love today and the pub is full of cricket history and artifacts. 

The Cocky Anchor, Romsey

The Cocky Anchor is a brand new Micropub that opened in April 2021 - located in the centre of Romsey’s historic market place. A family-run small traditional British pub. The Grade II listened building has been lovingly and sympathetically restored, teeming with original features, bringing a new lease of life to the historic building.Patrons can take a seat out front and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the quaint market place or out back in the pub garden for a quieter spot with beautiful views of the 900-year-old Abbey.This pub offers the perfect spot to enjoy a great range of drinks from real ales, lagers, ciders, gin, rums, and wines. The Cocky Anchor is a wet only pub – bar snacks are available to buy.

Oak Inn Lyndhurst, New Forest 

The Oak Inn is an award-winning pub just outside of Lyndhurst in the New Forest and offers a great pit-stop from some of the county's prime brideways and walking and cycling routes. The pub is famed for its fresh, locally sourced food and has an excellent range of real ales on tap. The pub is the perfect place to sit out on the garden and relax after a busy day of exploring! 

The Bush Inn, Ovington 

The Bush Inn is part of the Wadworth Brewery and is situated in the quaint village of Ovington, near New Alresford. The pub has a stunning beer garden that is nestled next to the River Itchen - a perfect place to enjoy a summer's day! The Bush Inn is located on the famous Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury in the South Downs National Park. Did you know that one of the scenes from the 1974 film 'Brief Encounter' starring Richard Burton and Sophia Loren was filmed there?

The pub offers a variety of local real ales, such as 6X, Henry's IPA, and Horizons, and offers a fantastic menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, and a dedicated gluten-free menu. The Bush Inn menu boasts the highest accreditation from Coeliac UK too. 

The Mayflower, Lymington 

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or settling in for your evening meal, make sure to soak in the stunning coastal views, exquisite seasonal cuisine and warm hospitality that characterises the Mayflower Pub. The seasonal menus change regularly and celebrate the bounty of flavoursome produce available to us from the South Coast and British countryside. Classic dishes with contemporary flair and a nod to the sea is their speciality. The pub has a great, socialable, outdoor space with tables under cover and out in the grass. The pub carefully selects the finest local ales and spirits from the nation’s most sought after distilleries and our extensive wine list is updated regularly to reflect the changing seasons.
 

The Still and West, Portsmouth 

The Still & West is a stunning Grade II listed pub in Old Portsmouth, where smart modern style mingles with traditional nautical charm. Promising fine food and drink and sublime views over the Solent, it’s a special place to relax at the water’s edge. Steeped in history, they're a family friendly pub with an impressive gastro-style menu and an excellent selection of real ales. The patio has stunning views over the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour; watch the comings and goings of military ships and private yachts alike from the comfort of the beer garden.

The Ship Inn, Langstone

The Ship Inn started life as an 18th century wharf side warehouse handling grain. The original wheel can still be seen in the roof of the top deck bar. The Ship occupies a fantastic location overlooking Chichester and Langstone Harbours.

The Terrace enables customers to sit outside to watch the tides and small boats. Inside, the bars and restaurant resemble the interior of a ship with much polished wooden planking and shining brass. The bar menu covers snacks, sandwiches and bar meals and a more extensive restaurant menu is also available. Local fresh fish dishes are a speciality! 

 

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