One feature of many of our lives that has been strangely absent in the last year is the humble British pub.
Memories of relaxing in a sunny garden with a refreshing drink in hand, or sheltering from the cold with something a bit stronger, come to mind. But throughout much of 2020 and 2021, they haven’t been able to be there for us.
But following the government’s lockdown roadmap being announced, pubs are now reopen outdoors, with indoor seating from May 17.
Here are 10 pubs recommended by customers on TripAdvisor in and around Weymouth and Portland where you will be able to sit outdoors....
The Ship Inn, Custom House Quay, Weymouth harbourside
This Hall & Woodhouse inn has reopened its outside space. There will be cover provided from the elements and people can book in advance for up to groups of six on the pub’s website.
This pub’s outdoor seating is extremely popular with one drinker saying: “It’s in a fabulous situation on the harbour to sit outside and have a drink. Very sunny too.”
Red Lion, Hope Square
The pub is operating its outdoor seating on a first come first served basis.
Drinkers praise the pub’s ‘extensive’ outdoor seating area and enjoy the ‘dappled shade from the trees’.
Turks Head, East Street, Chickerell
Mark and Debbie are welcoming their customers back to enjoy their outside hospitality.
The pub has been praised for its outdoor seating area which even has a VIP table.
The George Bar & Grill, Custom House Quay, Weymouth harbourside
The pub is taking bookings and staff say they cant wait to see everyone again. One customer says of its outdoor seating: “Great to sit outside and watch the world go by on sunny day.”
Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills
The very popular outdoor seating area at the Smugglers Inn is open. There is an open sided marquee in the garden to provide cover from the elements and people can book an outdoor table for up to six people in advance on the pub’s website.
The Bridge Inn, Preston
The pub has opeend its outdoor area. It will only be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm - 6pm. Food will be served 12pm - 5pm. Pub staff say on their Facebook page: “This is due to only being able to open outside. Obviously the weather will play its part but we will have limited tables under cover.”
The pub’s garden is described as ‘lovely’ and a ‘sun trap’.
Elm Tree Inn, Langton Herring
The pub is taking bookings for outside service.
Chefs are planning a new Spring menu and one customer says: “Sitting in the garden on a sunny day cannot be beaten!”
The Royal Standard, Upwey
The pub is reopen. Customers praise the pub’s courtyard beer garden at the back and its outdoor seating at the front.
Cove House Inn, Chiswell, Portland
You can see outside at the Cove House and feel as though you’re right on the broad sweep of Chesil Beach.
It's open Thursday to Sunday until May 17 when indoor settings can be reopened. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays it will be open from 12pm-9pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.
The pub’s outdoor seating is weather dependent and it will be operating on a reduced menu. All patrons wishing to eat should book a table on the day from 10am.
John Gregory, Southill
This friendly neighbourhood pub with its newly renovated beer garden is reopen and is taking bookings for its outside seating area by email only.
It will be open from 12pm - 8pm Monday to Sunday with food being served during the following hours... 12pm - 7pm Monday - Saturday and 12pm - 6pm Sundays.
Click here to read about the top beer gardens at Dorchester pubs we can look forward to returning to
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