Written by Carly Freestone | 16th June 2017

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Cheers! To a Brilliant Beer Garden

One of life’s great joys is an afternoon pint at a traditional village pub, and when the sun’s shining there’s no better place to enjoy it than in a beer garden. At Michael Graham we’re keeping everything crossed for a summer of flip flops rather than wellies, so here’s our round up of some of the best pubs in the area to head to for a pint or a Pimms al fresco.

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Cricket season is in full swing, and the Red Lion in Evenley is perfectly positioned for watching Saturday afternoon matches played on the largest village green in Northamptonshire. Enjoy a pint of Angie’s Ale, named after the wonderful landlady, and if you have children in tow a playground in the pub garden will keep little ones amused while you keep score.

You’ll find it hard to believe you’re just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Milton Keynes when you’re relaxing in the orchard beer garden at The Swan Inn. In the heart of Milton Keynes Village in Buckinghamshire, this little gem is a beautiful 13th century thatched country pub with a selection of real ales and great lagers.

Facing the largest parish church in Bedfordshire, The Knife and Cleaver in the picturesque village of Houghton Conquest is part of the family of Heroic Pubs which include The Anchor in Aspley Guise in Buckinghamshire and 185 Watling Street in Towcester, Northamptonshire. This traditional pub has real ales as well as free breakfast if you decide to stay overnight in one of their nine courtyard bedrooms.

The Nags Head in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire is very much a local’s pub, the most famous local being the late, great Roald Dahl who loved the pub so much he featured it in Fantastic Mr Fox. The garden is large and backs on to the local cricket ground with stunning views of the Chiltern Hills. A great rural pub, it also has an AA rosette for culinary excellence so make sure you check out the menu too.

The Highlander is a 300-year-old pub and French bistro five minutes from the heart of Hitchin in Hertfordshire. Although the need to light the open fire can’t be ruled out during British summer-time, their secluded garden is a top spot for a peaceful pint.

We hope these suggestions help oil the wheels for a wonderful weekend and if you know of other pubs with fabulous gardens, please give them a shout out on Michael Graham‘s social media channels.

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