There's nothing more inviting than a chilled glass of wine or refreshing pint in a sun-soaked beer garden on a bank holiday weekend.
Beer gardens are a cornerstone of the nation’s culture and economy, and with COVID restrictions all but a distant memory, punters are eager to get out and about to enjoy a drink with friends.
Now, more than ever, having a beer garden is great for your pub!
Here at Lanarkshire Live we have put together a handy list of some of the county’s best beer gardens you might just want to stop off at.
The Montgomerie Arms, East Kilbride
One of the original coaching inns, dating back to the 1600s, ‘the Monty’ is a jewel in East Kilbride’s crown.
Its beer garden is nestled under the Old Parish Church clock tower in the heart of the Village.
This classic and hugely popular boozer appeals to all ages and the old-world theme of this beautiful A-listed stone building radiates a certain charm you can’t find in any old tavern.
A convenient mezzanine smoking area is also a bonus.
The Auldhouse Arms, Auldhouse
This traditional country family-friendly pub has pulled out all the stops to invest in its outdoor area.
By revamping their existing beer garden and bringing in an outdoor bar, there will be a choice of food and drinks ready to be served.
With no prior bookings systems in place, this pub is excited to welcome old and new customers.
The Waterside, Strathaven
This popular pub is located just by the river's edge, serving a limited food menu outdoors.
With a great choice of beers and wine, and ample seating, this is a perfect spot to stop off at after a walk.
It’s a great place to pop in when you’re out and about for a stroll around this picturesque town.
The Junkyard, Hamilton
Junkyard, Hamilton, or as they like to call it, JNKYRD, HMLTN, is based in the centre of the town on Chapel Street.
Boasting a cool interior as well as its welcoming outdoor space, punters can expect a vibrant atmosphere and great food and drink options.
It’s well worth getting back into town and treating yourself to a great lunch or evening out.
Angels Hotel, Uddingston
The hotel’s restaurant and bar underwent a massive refurbishment just after the first lockdown and in doing so they have created an amazing year-round outdoor terrace with stunning Belzazar Rose Bar for food and drinks.
With heaters, an undercover seating area and cosy lighting, this modern and stylish bar really makes you feel like your on your holiday.
The Elphinstone Hotel, Biggar
The Elphinstone Hotel are proud winners of the Lanarkshire Business Excellence Awards 2016.
Boasting a friendly, warm and comfortable dining experience, this wee place has charm, history and good food to boot.
If your looking for a traditional Scottish pub to eat and drink outdoors, you can't go wrong.
Owen's, Coatbridge
Owned by the O’Brien family since 1968, this popular public house is recognised for the great quality food, live music, community feel and outstanding beer garden which provides great cover and great heating all year round.
Try some of Owen's tasty dishes - such as their famous steak pie, beef chilli - or just grab a hot filled roll or one or two of its fab cocktails while soaking up the sunshine.
Cellar Bar, Airdrie
Situated near Airdrie Town Hall, this is an ideal spot to relax in a cosy setting and enjoy one of its many delicious whiskys and beers.
This inviting watering hole boasts a certain charm with friendly, welcoming staff and great customer service.
An extensive selection of non-alcoholic drinks is also a bonus.
Smiddy Inn, Cumbernauld
The family friendly Belhaven pub offers good food with weekly offers, sports on the big screen, a quiz and karaoke as well as their popular beer garden.
Their exciting new menu drops on May 18 too with a range of new small plates, including a delicious warm pretzel, Italian style sausages and a new bao bun flavour.
The Hopetoun Arms, Leadhills
The highest residential hotel in Scotland, The Hopetoun Arms is nestled in the heart of the Lowther Hills.
A quiet, rural location this is the perfect stop off point if traveling north or south, or simply for a peaceful break.
Soak up some stunning Scottish countryside views while sipping a cold pint or chilled wine in their inviting BBQ and picnic area.
The Electric Bar, Motherwell
Crowned the best pub in North Lanarkshire three times over, this popular Airbles Road boozer is rightly commended for its customer service, online reviews, and overall good service.
With a sprawling beer garden and new vegetarian and gluten-free menus to cater to various diets, the Electric Bar ensures everyone is welcome.
The Red Deer, Cumbernauld
This rustic cottage pub has everything you need from a country pub. Its menus are full of hearty favourites and country pub classics, as well as seasonal spring dishes.
Its well-stocked bar, which includes cask ales, fine wines and British gin to suit every taste can be enjoyed at its beautiful garden terrace tables or by crackling log fires.
Waysiders Drumpellier Rugby Club, Coatbridge
Boasting the biggest beer garden in Coatbridge, the rugby club on Drumpellier Avenue is perfect for a Sunday sesh or a few drinks in the sun before dinner.
Members are free and non members can buy a day membership for a fiver.
Chapelton Inn, Chapelton
A trio of new owners have revamped the Chapelton Inn in an effort to transform the fortunes of the village pub.
Now a family-friendly community hub for locals to enjoy, the refurbished local is the product of a partnership made up of love and attention for the local area.
And having invested in a complete revamp of the site, punters can expect to see a brand new function suite, modernised bar and outdoor beer garden that the new owners hope will appeal to the wider community.
The Sportsman Bar, Rutherglen
This pub has been a fixture on Glasgow Road for three decades and is Rutherglen’s only remaining independent pub.
Publican’s husband and wife John and Helen Vickers are all set to welcome customers to their family friendly pub and beer garden this bank holiday weekend.
They also have a children’s play area in the outdoor area which is Rutherglen’s largest beer garden.
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