New research has shed light on the number of beer gardens per person in UK cities, as well as factors like the a region's average temperature to determine the hotspots.
Norwich, in Norfolk, England, has been named UK’s ‘beer garden capital’, scored 86 out of a possible 100 points in the study.
This was thanks to its high number of beer gardens compared to population (4.77 beer gardens every 10,000 residents), and the mild average spring temperatures, low rainfall levels and fairly high levels of bright sunshine recorded in the region.
Adding to its triumphs was the finding that at least 17% of Norwich beer gardens offered outdoor heating.
Oxford and Brighton, which ranked second and third in the search for the UK’s beer garden capital, scored 83 and 81 respectively. One in six pubs (15 per cent) in the two cities offered some form of heating outdoors.
With a total of 70 pubs with beer gardens, Oxford has 4.59 beer gardens for every 10,000 residents, while Brighton is home to 107 beer gardens, which works out as just under four per 10,000 residents.
Both cities also gained top scores thanks to the region’s good weather, with the South East enjoying the highest average spring temperature in the country – 8.1 C° last year, almost one whole degree above the national average of 7.3 C° – as well as having generally bright and dry days in spring.
Scottish cities such as Aberdeen and Dundee sit at the bottom of the ranking, due to their low beer garden-to-population ratio and the region’s cold and rainy climate.
When looking at costs, however, Aberdeen and Dundee offer the best chance of a cheap pint, averaging just £3 per drink.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study, commissioned by Electric Radiators Direct, found that London has the most expensive pints overall, averaging at £5.50.
The data has shown Scottish cities are not top destinations for al fresco drinking, with Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Dundee coming in at the bottom of the table, scoring just 10, 12 and 21 points out of 100 respectively.
Aberdeen has the lowest number of beer gardens per capita overall, just one beer garden for every 10,000 residents, followed by Glasgow (1.1 beer gardens per 10k residents) and Dundee (1.7 beer gardens per 10k).
Understandably, all of these cities have also scored poorly due to their low average temperatures, general lack of sunny days and the typically high rainfall levels in Scotland.
According to the Met Office, the average spring temperature across Scotland was 5.9 C° last year - almost two degrees below the national average of 7.3 C°.
With costs of living rising dramatically, many Brits may also be more concerned about how much they’re paying to enjoy a pint in the sun this year.
As part of the research, Electric Radiators Direct also investigated the average price for a pint in each major city, finding that despite being at the bottom of the pack for outdoor drinking, Aberdeen and Dundee are the top destinations for those looking for a cheap beer, both averaging £3 per drink.
And while Norwich might give you the best chance of a seat outside – and warmer temperatures to boot – the city is the third most expensive on the list when it comes to buying a pint, averaging £4.35, just below London (£5.50), Belfast (£5) and Brighton (£5).
Stephen Hankinson, Managing Director at Electric Radiators Direct commented on the findings: “As the weather starts to get warmer and the days get longer, many of us are excited for the return of outdoor socialising and al fresco dining.
“Our research has identified Norwich as the best ‘beer garden hotspot’ in the country, boasting the highest number of pubs with outdoor seating in relation to its population, and generally favourable weather conditions.
“Of course, British weather can sometimes be unpredictable, and evenings can get chilly even after a sunny day. It's important to be able to have a comfortable outdoor experience even when temperatures drop, which is why patio heaters can be a great added value to a beer garden that many customers will be looking for.
Despite outdoor socialising not being a requirement anymore, our sales data has shown a +250% increase in demand for patio heaters for both home and commercial use post-pandemic, highlighting just how many businesses may have adopted outdoor heating solutions simply to make customers’ experiences more comfortable, even on a nice summer evening.”
