April 12: the top eight pub beer gardens in Watford

April 12. The day the beer gardens reopen. Retail, hairdressers, beauty salons, and gyms also reopen. But the big one is the pubs, we all know it.

Watford has many great options for outdoors drinking, but there are our favourites – have you managed to book a table at any?

1. The Load of Hay

Pinner Road, Watford.

The Load of Hay

Not only do they have a great selection of food, but they offer a variety of eclectic cask beers and a spacious pub garden with draught beers to suit the preferences of everyone.

2. The Horse and Chains

High Street, Bushey.

Horse and Chains

The Horse and Chains is a 17th century building that “prides itself on being the gathering place for every occasion”. The pub features a restaurant, ‘snug’ and garden area.

It was recently acquired by the team that successfully brought the Royal Oak on Watford Heath back to life in late 2018.

3. The Swan

Park Road, Bushey.

A Victorian pub nestled in the heart of Bushey Village, they specialise in cask ale and always have four on sale, as well as cloudy cider, Guinness and lagers.

They also specialise in bar snacks with great toasted sandwiches, sausage rolls, pork scratching’s, pickled eggs/onions and “every conceivable type of nut”.

4. The Royal Oak

Kitters Green, Abbots Langley.

Royal Oak

They serve a seasonal menu and promise locally sourced fresh ingredients, with award winning wines and real ales.

As well as the garden they have an 80 seat restaurant with full table service and a kids play area.

5. The Royal Oak

Watford Heath, Watford.

Royal Oak, Watford

Believed to be the first sight to gain its licence in the Watford area. In 1666 the sight was a cottage occupied by Quakers. John Banham built a beer house, which in 1819 became the Royal Oak under Daniel ford, the landlord.

6. O’Neill's Irish Pub and Bar

Station Road, Watford

O'Neill's

Previously known as The Flag, O’Neill’s is an obvious choice even if you aren’t familiar with Watford, you can’t miss it when you leave Watford Junction station in the summer. Brimming with people, pints and decorated with bunting, it’s definitely one of the top garden pub spots.

7. The Coach and Horses

Croxley Green, Rickmansworth

Quaint and cosy, with beautiful greenery outside. If pints in the sun isn’t for you then you can try one of their many gins. They have events from time to time as well, such a wine tasting.

8. The Three Compasses

Pegmire Lane, Patchetts Green

The Coach and Horses.

'Little Alpine at Three Compasses' is a wonderful gastro pub, where you can enjoy the freshest of cask ales, cool beers and a range of cocktails and sit down meals.

Outdoors tables – which are covered and heated – are available for bookings.