The sun is out, the sky is blue and the weather is (dare we say it?) balmy. This means one thing: the season of alfresco drinking is here. To prepare you for those glorious days, we've gone to the trouble of searching around to find the best outdoor haunts the city has to offer. From riverside spots to tiki havens, check out our guide to beer gardens in Reading.
Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy
One of the best pubs with outdoor seating in Reading, Bel & The Dragon is a great venue for summertime sips and great food. Delve into its beef brisket cottage pie with buttered hispi cabbage, or opt for a roasted Cornish hake served alongside chorizo, fregola and sweetcorn.
With an impressive range of local ales on tap and two terrace spaces to choose from, it's no wonder why Hope and Bear is one of the best bars in Reading with outdoor seating. Grab your pals and book an alfresco table, where you can enjoy tasty eats in the glorious sunshine.
Whether you fancy topping up your tan with a cocktail to hand or guzzling pints while watching the footie, The Boundary's garden is a great shout. Just snap up one of the vibrant, sun-soaked tables and explore the expansive menu of food and drinks.
DJ sets, a terrace and a charming beer garden are all on the menu at Oakford Social Club. Feeling peckish? The Blagrave Street spot also whips up a number of American-style dishes, such as burgers, wings and fries, to keep you fuelled up while getting your vitamin D hit.
Looking for an outdoor bar in Reading? Offering shoppers a spot of much-needed respite, Zerodegrees is one of our top picks. This hotspot is home to two balconies and a cool terrace, perfect for sinking a few craft pints that have been freshly brewed on-site.
Searching for the best pubs near Reading station? Look no further than The Three Guineas. This fabulous boozer offers up a winning combo of knockout drinks and classic grub, which is all served on their top-notch outdoor terrace.
Tiki? Yes, please. Not only has Lola Lo in Reading gained quite the reputation for late-night parties and cocktails, but it also has a cool garden space. Head outside and bask in nature with your pals, all while sipping on some thirst-quenching concoctions.
Is the sun shining? Make your way to Veeno Reading for some quality sips on their sun-soaked terrace. Whether you're popping in for a romantic date night, or fancy sharing a bottle and some small plates with pals, this spot won't fail to disappoint.
Touting a lush secret garden and rooftop terrace, Market House in Reading is definitely a go-to in the city. The historic spot also houses three kitchens, a range of cask beers and a cocktail bar, meaning that revellers will never be short of brews or bites.
You'll probably know Purple Turtle best for its late-night raves and live music acts, but visit this party bar during the day and you'll find a cool tiki-themed beer garden, complete with a bamboo bar and totem pole. Pick your poison before settling in for a chilled afternoon under a parasol.
Thirsty Bear Pizzeria & Bar is bringing you New York-style slices and craft brews to enjoy in its rooftop beer garden. If hoppy pints aren't your thing, the King's Road beauty also has a selection of house cocktails and wines that are sure to do the job nicely.
Seeking pubs in reading with beer gardens? The Fisherman's Cottage is dishing up idyllic views from its riverside space. This watering hole also welcomes a regular roster of musicians for those of you after an evening of live tunes, as well as comfort food favourites.
