Six of the Best: Beer gardens

THE BOTANIST, LEEDS

Hidden behind Holy Trinity Church on Boar Lane, this botanically-themed drinking venue is decked out with rustic furniture, empty plant pots and shovels. Their beer garden is equally impressive with outdoor heaters. The pub has recently launched a new cocktail menu which offers a range of weirdly wonderful concoctions including kiwi and sage Martini and an orange and sage sidecar. And for bank holiday beer lovers the botanical infusions don’t stop there - they also offer two new beer based cocktails; Passionate Ginger, or a Pacific Brunette, which sees The Botanist’s very own brews of beer merged into a cocktail.

THE POUR HOUSE, LEEDS

The Pour House has one of the most attractive beer gardens going and waterside views to match. It opened about four years ago, entering the same lucrative market already tapped by the Cross Keys, The Hop and the Midnight Bell.

It’s rightly seen as part of the Holbeck revival and is an oasis hemmed in by flats and offices on one side and by the canal basin on the other.

Four handpumps are dead ahead as you walk in, emphasising straight away the company’s commitment to real ale. There’s plenty here to keep you occupied.

CALLS LANDING, LEEDS

Situated around the corner from the bustling nightlife hub that is Call Lane, The Calls hosts a slower paced, intimate offering of bars, pubs and restaurants.

Calls Landing is a well-established venue in the district, well known for its fairylight-laden riverside bar.

The bar itself is set overlooking the river and features an expansive and popular beer garden along with a quaint little balcony. The low-tempo music is perfect to put you in a relaxing mood.

It also takes much pride in its food, with stew and oysters right at the forefront.

THE POTTING SHED, BINGLEY

This is an out of town gastro pub, situated on Main Street in Bingley and has a newly refurbished outdoor balcony perfect come rain or shine. With a retractable roof, outdoor heaters and a view over the idyllic Bingley town centre, it’s the ideal place to make the most of your bank holiday weekend. A great selection of food and drinks are on offer, including comfort food favourites such; beer battered fish and chips, peri-peri chicken goujons and steak and ale pie - all served with carefully selected guest ales. There are a whole host of cocktails and beers available.

THE BIERKELLER, LEEDS

Assuming the British weather remains as unpredictable as usual, you might not want to chance an open-to-the-elements beer garden, so it’s always best to have a back-up plan. Enter The Bierkeller on Park Row, which offers something for everyone - the Bavarian themed bar which serves up the best German beers in Steins, authentic pretzles, waitresses in classic Bavarian dress and Oom-Pah Music.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, jus around the corner, there’s Shooters, with live sports coverage and nearby Around the World in 80 Beers.

SKY LOUNGE, LEEDS

If you’re looking for a high point (literally) to your evening out, then this is it. Offering unrivalled views over the city, you’re literally above all the hustle and bustle of the city.

There’s a terrace too and a spacious indoor bar with floor to ceiling windows, so you won’t miss the view.

While they do serve beer, this is primarily a cocktails bar and a posh one at that, so don’t pitch up in your trainers and three-week-old jeans. They also have an extensive menu consisting mainly of pizzas and platters. For those in the mood, they also serve afternoon tea.