With spring in full bloom and the summer months fast approaching we are so glad that bars and restaurants are now able to open their outdoor spaces and receive guest - we have been dreaming of sipping a cool G&T in a beautiful al fresco setting for far too long now.
As much as we enjoy the privacy of our own back gardens to enjoy our Gin of the Month, we do appreciate a beautiful gin bar too! So we have been taking a look at which bars and restaurants in the UK are now open for you to safely visit (or have at least started taking booking for when you can visit).
Wherever you are in the UK, we are pretty sure we’ve found the perfect outdoor bar near you…cheers!
MOUNT HAVEN, CORNWALL
Where is it? Part of the Mount Haven boutique hotel, which nestles on the edge of Marazion, near Penzance, overlooking the sweep of Mount’s Bay with stunning views to St Michael's Mount.
Posh or casual? Charming seaside chic.
Gin credentials? Look, this one’s more about the views than the gin selection! That said, there’s a lovely little cocktail menu which the website reports has been developed in partnership with an award-winning duo from London. Frankly, a gin and tonic alone - when sipped in this setting - would be elevated to something even more special than usual, no?
Outside space? The Terrace is an intimate candlelit space where you can also get nibbles with your cocktail, perhaps before heading inside to the restaurant.
www.mounthaven.co.uk
THE MAYTIME INN, OXFORDSHIRE
Where is it? The glorious Oxfordshire countryside, near the picture-perfect 17th-century town of Witney.
Posh or casual? Elegant but relaxed.
Gin credentials? Excellent. The bar specialises in gin, with more than 100 options available, plus 12 different tonics to choose from. Groups of four or more can book gin-tasting sessions.
Outside space? Take a look at the photo! There’s a big garden and terrace with a Boules pitch to boot, all offering views of the undulating fields. There’s live jazz every Sunday, too. Oh, and the Inn is also a boutique hotel - ideal for couples who can’t agree on who’ll be designated driver.
http://www.themaytime.com
THE JETTY, DEVON
Where is it? Part of the Salcombe Harbour Hotel, located on the shores of the stunning Salcombe estuary, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Posh or casual? Coastal cocktail hour.
Gin credentials? This is definitely more of a restaurant bar - i.e. not gin specialists per se; however, the website states that between 12pm and 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s “Gin o’Clock” with a choice of four different gin and tonics for £5 (at time of writing).
Outside space? Fabulous sun-drenched terrace bar overlooking the sparkling waters of the estuary.
SIX ROOFTOP BAR, CAMBRIDGE
Where is it? Perched atop Six restaurant in the heart of historic Cambridge.
Posh or casual? Stylish, not stuffy.
Gin credentials? The actual gin selection isn’t as extensive as some of the gin bars on this list, but there’s a very decent range of gin cocktails on the menu; plus, they get bonus points for their take on the Elderberry Collins, which apparently includes homemade blueberry-infused gin.
Outside space? Spectacular skyline views of Cambridge’s world-famous colleges await you in this chic rooftop garden space. On weekends there’s a BBQ.
EAST RIDING GIN BAR & KITCHEN
Where is it? The historic market town and thriving foodie hotspot of Beverley, East Yorkshire
Posh or casual? Relaxed posh.
Gin credentials? Fantastic. The bar stocks over 130 different kinds of gin and a seasonal cocktail menu; you can choose your own garnish or let the bartender surprise you.
Outside space? A grassy, tree-lined garden lounge to seat 50, with actual cushioned sofas, heaters and awnings so you can still stay warm and comfy while you sip your G&Ts when the inevitable summer wet weather hits.
eastridingginclub.co.uk
BOTANICAL GARDEN, LIVERPOOL
Image: facebook
Where is it? Liverpool’s edgy, vibrantly creative hub, the so-called Baltic Triangle
Posh or casual? Casual hipster without judgement.
Gin credentials? Really good; the only (we think) outdoor drinking venue in Liverpool specialising in gin.
Outside space? A cosy, colourful courtyard space adorned with colourful graffiti, fire pits, fairy lights and an abundance of vivid flowering shrubs. DJs attract a lively crowd on weekends, while the sunlit courtyard provides a more peaceful, gently humming oasis in the middle of the city during the week.
ROCKSALT, KENT
Where is it? The top deck of upmarket seafood restaurant, Rocksalt, directly overlooking gorgeous Folkestone Harbour on the Kent coastline.
Posh or casual? Relaxed posh. No beachwear allowed.
Gin credentials? It’s a case of quality over quantity here. The bar prides itself on the same quality of ingredients and elegant creations as the restaurant, so there’s a compact but lovingly curated selection of gin and tonics, cocktails and martinis a multitude of ways to choose from.
Outside space? Unparalleled views of the bobbing fishing boats across the harbour from the elegant south-facing terrace for long hours of sunshine.
ATLAS BAR, MANCHESTER
Source: facebook
Where is it? Plum in the middle of Manchester’s vibrant city-centre Deansgate area.
Posh or casual? Chilled-out hipsters on the terrace; a little more chic inside.
Gin credentials? Exceptional. This award-winning venue has an unbeatable (in Manchester - and quite possibly the Northwest) selection of gins, with the website reporting an incredible tally of more than 420 gins from around the world!
Outside space? The south-facing terrace allows you to soak up the sun while you work your way through the bar’s self-proclaimed ‘gin bible’; we like the bright cushions and pretty floral touches that add a bit of colour to the urban surroundings. Heaters are ready for cooler evenings.
THE WATERFRONT, LEICESTERSHIRE
Image: facebook
Where is it? Right on the Union Wharf of the Grand Union Canal canal in Market Harbourough.
Posh or casual? Friendly neighbourhood vibe for everything from after-work relaxation to date nights.
Gin credentials? This humble local restaurant and bar punches above its weight when it comes to gin. Alongside more than 60 gins from around the world, they apparently also stock their very own house gin, The Boathouse Blend.
Outside space? It’s the fabulous position of this waterside gin bar that’s earned it a place on our list; we can’t think of a more peaceful way to spend an hour than sipping a gin and tonic in the sunshine, watching the canal boats ease their way in and out of the wharf. Plus, in colder months the clever folk behind The Waterfront installed actual glass-walled igloos in which to spend your evening, so you can still make the most of those fabulous views!
waterfrontharborough.co.uk
HEADROW HOUSE, LEEDS
Image: Instagram
Where is it? The entrance is on The Headrow right in the centre of Leeds. Just make your way up to the roof to find their rooftop bar.
Posh or casual? Headrow House is casual in the day and perhaps smart-casual in the evenings. Never posh though, this place is all about relaxing with your friends amongst the rooftops of the city.
Gin credentials? Well, it has to be said that Headrow House is not primarily a gin bar, however, they do make a mean G&T and there are some fantastic cocktails to be found there, so it’s still a big thumbs up from us.
Outside space? Headrow House has a huge rooftop terrace that has two levels and gives you some truly special views of the surrounding rooftops. The atmosphere is always great and the drinks are always delicious.
headrowhouse.com
ONE SQUARE, EDINBURGH
(opening April 26th)
Image: Instagram
Where is it? You can find One Square in the heart of Edinburgh at 1 Festival Square.
Posh or casual? With this elegant restaurant come gin bar is certainly smart-casual at the very least.
Gin credentials? With over 150 gins on their gin menu, including their very own One Squire Gin, it’s safe to say that you and your gin pals are in safe hands - they even do gin tastings!
Outside space? One Square has a wonderful terrace from which you can really feel the buzzing atmosphere of Scotland’s capital city and for which they are now taking bookings.
DYLS CAFE, YORK
Image: Instagram
Where is it? Right on the River Ouse in the historic motor house of York’s Skeldergate Bridge.
Posh or casual? This quaint little cafe is as casual as they come, simply sit near the water enjoying good company, amazing food and gin-credible drinks.
Gin credential? Dyls’ gin and cocktail menus show a real attention to detail, which can be found in their food too. They obviously love gin as much as we do!
Outside space? The outdoor space consists of a heated terrace that sometimes extends onto the grass banking of the river. There isn’t a huge amount of it, so competition will be fierce when the sun’s out - be sure to get there early.
www.dylsyork.co.uk
Four Thieves, London
Where is it? Four Thieves is in the bustling, hip, youthful area of south London known as Clapham.
Posh or casual? This homely spot, with its chilled-out vibe, is definitely on the casual end of the scale.
Gin credentials? Four Thieves has what they call their Gin Yard, where it is said that you can get 350 variations on a G&T!
Outdoor space? Four Thieves’ Gin Yard is a great outdoor space to chill out with your friends and enjoy one of their many variations on a G&T. It’s the perfect little sun trap!
www.fourthieves.pub
The Finnieston, Glasgow
Where is it? On Argyle Street at the heart of Glasgow’s thriving West End.
Posh or casual? Certainly trendy yet never too formal, The Finnieston is in that perfect smart-casual medium.
Gin credentials? With a carefully sourced gin menu and a magnificent gin-focused cocktail menu, this seafood restaurant is the place to be for gin lovers in Glasgow.
Outdoor space? The Finnieston has a gorgeous little gin garden where you can sit and enjoy the sun in a peaceful oasis in the middle of the busy city.
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