Pub gardens will be packed with thirsty punters this weekend, in pursuit of ice-cold drinks and a slice of sunshine.

The question of where to enjoy summer's day in Southend can be a difficult one, with a choice of beachfront cafes, pub patios and pretty restaurant terraces. 

We've put together a list of some of the best beer gardens. 

Let us know in the comments if we've missed out your favourite.

The Mayflower

High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2EN, 01702 478535

A multi-award winning pub, The Mayflower has a gorgeous garden that adjoins Leigh Creek, the launching slipway.

The garden boasts views over the Creek and marshes to the west, it's the ideal place to try one of their well kept real ales. 

The Peterboat 

High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2EN, 01702 475666

This traditional British pub that has stunning views over the estuary from the patio and outdoor terrace. 

If you fancy talking a walk down to the pub there's even a cockle shed for when you feel peckish. 

The Peterboat has more than 10,000 likes on Facebook where reviews rave about the quality of the food and service. 

The Bellhouse

Southchurch Road, SS1 2PW, 01702 447070

The Bellhouse is a quintessentially British country pub housed in a 16th century hunting lodge that was once frequented by monarchs and noblemen. 

There is an extensive patio with ample seating and lawns for little ones to run around. 

The Crooked Billet

High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2EP, 01702 480289

An ideal location for a day spent basking in the sun with your bubble, The Crooked Billet's patio garden has been well maintained and cared for. 

The aesthetic garden puts you at ease with comfy chairs and a gorgeous pergola covered in fairy lights to keep the party going until the evening. 

Rose Inn

Great Wakering, SS3 OPY, 01702 588008

This family friendly Greene King pub is the ideal place to take your little ones as there's a huge garden with a playground. 

The rear lawned garden has plenty of seating and there are also tables at the front of the pub too. 

A great place to take the whole family, Rose Inn also welcomes dogs with open arms.