5 top beer gardens worth visiting in south Essex

The Government’s road map out of lockdown suggests pubs will be able to serve food and drink outside from April 12, before then getting the go ahead to open indoors from May.

While the rules will no doubt cause a headache for publicans up and down the country, we will all be delighted that some pubs will be pouring pints again.

And luckily for us, there are some stunning beer and pub gardens in south Essex which will make that first post-lockdown drink taste that little bit sweeter.

Below are just five beer gardens that we reckon are worth visiting when they reopen:

The Hawk

Described as a premium pub, bar and restaurant, the Hawk is based in the picturesque village of Battlesbridge.

Punters can sit outside and enjoy some fresh air in the front garden, which will provide plenty of room to social distance.

The pub has a 4.2 star rating on Google, with reviewers largely praising the range of food, service and friendly atmosphere.

Bosses have yet to announce when they plan to reopen.

In an update posted on The Hawk’s Facebook page, the pub said: “We cannot wait to open our doors again.

“Keep a close eye on our social for more information on when we will be reopening.

“We hope to see you soon.”

The Anchor

Based right by the River Crouch, the Anchor in Hullbridge will offer customers the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet.

With it's large garden and decked terraces, the pub will be able to provide customers with plenty of space.

The outside seating area offers spectacular views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Bosses have yet to reveal when they plan to reopen.

The pub has a 4.1 star rating on Google, with many reviewers highlighting its stunning location and quality food.

The Plough and Sail

Tucked away in the heart of the countryside, this traditional pub is thought to have been around for more than 300 years.

The Plough and Sail is based just a few hundreds yards away from the River Roach and benefits from an idyllic beer garden.

It has a five-star rating on Google and is praised for its ‘good drink and food’, and views.

Bosses appear to have confirmed they will be reopening on April 12.

They said on Facebook: “So excited that we can have you sitting in our gardens from April 12 (we hope) and even MORE excited at the thought of opening our doors again in May.

“The end is in sight.”

The Dukes Head

This premium bar near Billericay is said to have a laidback atmosphere and stylish interiors.

But the Dukes Head also boasts its very own courtyard and beer garden to allow punters to soak up the summer sun.

The large outside seating areas means there should be plenty of space and tables to go around.

The pub has a 4.2 star rating on Google and reviewers have singled out the countryside location and good customer service for praise.

No announcement has yet been made about when the pub plans to reopen.

The Hoop

Based along Stock High Street, the Hoop is what many would class as a traditional English pub.

It offers customers plenty of outdoor seating with its newly revamped back garden.

The pub has a 4.6 star rating on Google, with praise reserved especially for its range of food and drinks.

Bosses have announced they will be taking bookings from March 15 for when the pub reopens its garden.

However, they have remained coy about the exact reopening date.

In a post on Facebook after it was announced pub gardens could reopen on April 12, they said: “Thank you all so much for your messages and excitement after yesterday’s announcement.

“We are just as excited as you and really can not wait to welcome you all back.

"We are just trying to organise a few things and we will post when we are ready to take bookings again.”

Have we missed any? Why not comment below and let us know you're favourite beer garden.