In the heat of the summer there’s nothing nicer than sitting outside with a cold drink in the sunshine – and on International Beer Day (5th August) we highlight the best places to enjoy an al fresco drink in and around Ross-on-Wye.
The Hope & Anchor: possibly the most prominent beer garden in Ross right on the riverside, The Hope & Anchor is a great spot for enjoying a beer, ice cream or a bite to eat outside. With its recent refurbishments, the new outdoor cabin serves lager, cider and wine as well as a range of soft and hot drinks. The Pavilion next door has a small terrace with seating overlooking the riverside.
The Royal: the large outside tiered terrace at the front of the hotel has by far the best viewing point in Ross, overlooking the bend in the River Wye and is always very popular with locals and visitors for sunset drinks. You’ll find plenty of bottled and draft beers as well as wines, cocktails and mocktails for designated drivers. Very popular on a summer’s day and booking is sometimes essential to guarantee a table.
The White Lion: a short 5-10 minute walk from Ross town centre, this lovely traditional pub sits directly on the banks of the River Wye with its beer garden adorned with hanging baskets. Enjoy the glorious views and passing wildlife which often includes swans, mandarin ducks, herons and egrets. There is also an outside decked terrace with cover for live music.
The Mill Race: located in Walford, this contemporary, relaxed village pub has a lovely garden and terrace at the back of the restaurant which is a real hidden gem. Enjoy a bite to eat from the delicious menu where nearly all of the produce is simple, fresh and sourced locally, or just sit back and relax with a drink from their extensive range of wines and beers.
The Red Lion: a few miles out of Ross, The Red Lion at Peterstow has a wonderful beer garden with plenty of seating as well as a children’s play area. They host regular live music, events and barbeques so pop in and try one of the flavoured gin cocktails from their Gin Bar or simply enjoy a cold beer watching the sun set over the adjacent fields.
The Yew Tree: also located at Peterstow, and home to award winning Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Company, The Yew Tree can be found on the A49 and is open 7 days a week from 12pm until 10pm (12am on Fridays and Saturdays). There is a beautiful outside space where you can enjoy bottled or draught ciders, perries, real ales, craft beers, wines and spirits – and don’t forget to try their homemade pizzas which receive rave reviews!
The New Inn: this beautifully renovated 16th century coaching inn at St Owen’s Cross is 4 miles outside of Ross-on-Wye and has an AA double Rosette award for culinary excellence and five star guest accommodation – perfect for a short break or an evening sitting in the beautiful gardens at the rear.
The Loughpool: just 3 miles outside of Ross in Sellack, you’ll find this delightful black and white timbered pub in the middle of the Herefordshire countryside. The quiet beer garden is found at the front of the pub where you can relax with a beer or eat from the menu after a long dog walk.
Cottage of Content: cozy in the winter and perfect for summer evenings, the Cottage of Content is a lovely traditional pub which can be found in the little hamlet of Carey, around 6 miles from Ross. They serve delicious food using locally sourced, quality ingredients plus a range of local ciders, ales and wines. The beer garden is beautifully maintained with seating at the front of the pub as well as in the large rear open space (the pub is both child and dog friendly).
Old Court Hotel: further outside of Ross at Symonds Yat West, this traditional, family run hotel has a huge, well manicured outside space with plenty of capacity for larger groups. You can book a table for up to 24 people on the large patio or sit on the regular tables surrounded by the beautifully kept gardens.
The Harewood End Inn: located on the A49 towards Hereford, this popular dog friendly pub has a lovely secluded garden, where you can sit back and relax with something from their delicious menu or a drink from their wide range of wines, local gins, real ales & Herefordshire cider.
