When renovating the pub, we wanted The Bell to be the kind of place where we would like to hang out. For us, this meant a proper large drinking bar and a spacious beer garden to enjoy during warm British summers and those autumn evenings when the seasons begin to turn.
The British pub is a national institution, and beer gardens are an essential part of the pub experience. In fact, a recent survey found that beer gardens are the nation’s favourite place for a pint, beating friends’ gardens and even music festivals. Let’s look at why we Brits love a beer garden and discover a few fun facts about these enticing outdoor spots.
Why British People Love Beer Gardens
There are many reasons why British people love beer gardens. Here are a few of the most popular perks of a beer garden:
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- They’re a great way to enjoy the outdoors. British summers are short, so when the sun does shine, people are eager to make the most of it. A beer garden is the perfect place to soak up some rays, enjoy a cold drink, and chat with friends.
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- They’re a relaxed and informal setting. Beer gardens aren’t stuffy or formal but places where people can come as they are and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re wearing a suit or shorts and a T-shirt, you’ll feel right at home in a beer garden.
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- Beer gardens are the perfect place to socialise. People go there to meet up with friends, make new friends, and chat with strangers. It’s a great place to catch up on the latest news, gossip, or sports scores.
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- They’re family-friendly. Many beer gardens are child-friendly, making them a great place for families to spend time together with plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
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- They’re dog friendly. Often beer gardens have water bowls available and quieter, shaded and separate areas, so dogs and owners feel comfortable and welcomed.
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a pint of beer and sunshine, a beer garden ticks all the boxes.
Tips for Finding The Best Beer Garden in Norfolk
Of course, not all beer gardens are created equal. The best beer gardens have plenty of seating in both sun and shade, a good selection of Caskmaque accredited beers on tap, and a friendly, laid back atmosphere. They’re also conveniently located, whether it be so you can get to them easily without driving or because they are central to an area.
Here are a few tips for finding the perfect beer garden:
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- Check out online reviews. There are several websites and apps that let you read reviews of beer gardens in your area. This can be a great way to discover which beer gardens are popular and well-regarded.
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- Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Chances are, you know someone who’s a fan of beer gardens. Ask them for their favourite spots and see if they have any suggestions for you.
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- Visit a few different beer gardens and see which one you like best. The best way to find the perfect beer garden is to try a few different ones. See what you like and don’t like about each one, and eventually, you’ll find the perfect spot for you.
A Few Fun Facts About Beer Gardens
The first beer gardens originated in Germany. Beer gardens, or “Biergarten,” originated in Bavaria, Germany, in the 19th century. They were created as a way for breweries to sell beer during the summer months when it was too hot to brew beer indoors. The first beer gardens in Britain were modelled after the German Biergarten and soon became a popular feature of British pubs.
The Prater Biergarten in Berlin, Germany, is the world’s largest beer garden. It can accommodate up to 10,000 people and is open from April to October. The beer garden is in Prater Park, one of the largest parks in Berlin.
Did you know The Brisley Bell beer garden won an award? In 2021 we won the Best Pub Garden in the Great British Pubs awards.
The Brisley Bell Beer Garden
The award-winning garden at the Brisley Bell is a little different from your average beer garden. The pub is set on the edge of a large conservation area and village ponds, and we transformed a once bare two-acre bramble-bound paddock into a thriving ecosystem to support the local biodiversity.
The garden is now home to hundreds of varieties of native trees and plants. Almost one acre in the meadow is predominently unmown, with walking paths, and wildflowers to encourage insects, small mammals, and birdlife to thrive. This means that the pub garden doubles up as a bee hotel and a bat habitat. The numerous flowerbeds are lovingly tended and full of colour; the herb garden is a quiet meditative corner full of scented aromas and there are plenty of tables and benches dotted about the garden in the large open spaces, and also small, quiet spots. Furthermore, there is covered seating on the patio and in The Shed, where you can also enjoy a bite to eat.
As well as being a great place to enjoy a pint in the summer sunshine, our customers love exploring the garden to find the owl and bird boxes before heading off to embrace the local walks. And during the summer, the spacious space makes the perfect location for a range of exciting events. Take a look at all the events at The Bell – we’d love to welcome you this summer.