At these unique beer gardens, the drinks are cold, the breeze is cool, the hospitality is warm, and the setting is singular. The only thing missing is good company – and that’s BYO.
The Waldwirtschaft, Munich
Bavaria is the birthplace of beer gardens, where brewers traditionally served cool beers fresh from the barrel to patrons sitting in the shade of chestnut trees customarily planted to insulate the cellars below. Munich is, unsurprisingly, lousy with charming Biergärten, from the Chinesischer Turm under the English Garden’s iconic pagoda to the historic Augustiner-Keller near the central station. But why not make a day of it? Rent a bike and ride south along the Isar River to this leafy venue, where locals gather to sip cold mugs of Spaten and Franziskaner as they savour Bavarian specialities and listen to daily live jazz in summer; a large playground keeps the kiddos happy. As with every traditional Bavarian Biergarten, you are allowed to bring your own food if you’d like, but never your own drink.
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Prater Garten, Berlin
Though much less associated with traditional Biergarten culture than Munich, the German capital is home to a number of laid-back locales worthy of whiling away a summer afternoon. Prater Garten, dating to 1837, is the oldest – and, with its address on thrumming Kastanienallee in the beloved former East Berlin district of Prenzlauer Berg, it’s also one of the most popular. But that’s a good thing. Grab a house brew from the self-service counter and settle in for some prime people-watching as a demographic cross-section of the city trickles in, from the hippest hipsters to salt-of-the-earth Urberliners. Just don’t dally; the tables are likely to fill up by the time the sun sets and the festive strings of fairy lights illuminate the evening.
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Letná Beer Garden, Prague
While not as internationally known as their Teutonic neighbours, the Czechs have a homegrown beer culture all their own – and the beer gardens to prove it. This verdant spot is the crowning glory of them all: hidden within Letenské Sady park, Letná Beer Garden opens up to sweeping views over the red rooftops of the historic Old Town, with the river winding its way in the foreground and the castle presiding over it all. The beer is served in plastic cups, which is the one concession to practicality over atmosphere – but it doesn’t ruin the view.
The Hare & Hounds, Bath
What beer gardens are to Germany, country pub gardens are to England: relaxed places to sip some suds and soak up the sunshine among old friends and new acquaintances. The Hare & Hounds, just outside Bath, is one such quintessentially English oasis that takes the requisite elements – a quaint stone inn, wild green surrounds, cold pints of proprietary beer – and adds postcard panoramas of the Charlcombe Valley below. A number of picturesque trails lead right to the doorstep of this pup-friendly pub, so be sure to pack your walking shoes and bring your four-legged friend.
The Spaniards Inn, London
If it’s history (and hauntings!) you’re after, head for The Spaniards Inn. This Grade II-listed alehouse on the sprawling Hampstead Heath, close to Hampstead Village and Parliament Hill, has been pulling pints since about 1585. The storied inn and pub is associated with several literary luminaries, from Charles Dickens to John Keats and Bram Stoker; infamous highwayman Dick Turpin may even posthumously roam its halls. But we’re here, of course, for the alfresco charms, which come in the form of an expansive walled garden complete with upscale pub grub, summer barbecue facilities and sheltered tables that just might come in handy should the weather take a turn for the British.
Mikkeller Baghaven, Copenhagen
Expect more than your usual lagers and pilsners at this pilgrimage-worthy outpost of globetrotting Danish brewery Mikkeller. Situated on the former industrial island (and current foodie destination) of Refshaleøen, Baghaven is the brand’s experimental craft brewery, producing lambic-inspired and mixed-fermentation beers rarely found anywhere else. The creative brews are so compelling, the industrial-cool waterfront atmosphere is almost a footnote. If you can’t get enough Nordic vibes, hop across the Øresund Bridge to Malmö, where a Mikkeller pop-up promises beers, brisket and bumping DJ sets in a restored 1901 Moorish-influenced venue at Folkets Park until 5 September.
Mikkeller Bangkok
Those willing to travel quite a bit further afield for their fix might try Mikkeller’s location in the Thai capital. A retro 1950s house and garden in the food-forward Ekkamai neighbourhood set the scene for this tropical urban retreat offering punters 30 taps to choose among, as well as bean bags to chill on and small meals for snacking. This is, of course, Bangkok, so if the city heat eventually gets the better of you, it’s okay to flee to the ample air-conditioned indoor space where you can keep the evening going in considerably more comfort.
Felons Brewing Co., Brisbane
A rambling waterfront terrace, front-row skyline vistas and a delectable line-up of signature beers – it’s easy to see why Felons’ flagship brewery, sitting directly beneath the Story Bridge on the Brisbane River, is often cited among Australia’s top destination beer gardens. Arrive in time for sunset, whether on foot from the CBD or by ferry along the river, and don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel inclined to cancel your plans and stay a while.
Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
Nobody does brews and views quite like the Aussies. Moving down the coast to Byron Bay, another waterfront drinkery catches the eye. The shoreside bar at Beach Hotel – or, as locals call it, “The Beachie” – attracts an eclectic crowd of surfers, backpackers and jet-setters who mingle at communal tables over tropical cocktails, Australian wines and the rotating taps of beer and cider. A cold schooner, a salty breeze and the last light of day over the bay – this is Aussie outdoor living at its finest.
Estabrook Beer Garden, Milwaukee
German heritage runs deep in Wisconsin’s biggest city, where many a Teutonic beer-brewing dynasty was born (Pabst, Schlitz and Miller, to name a few). As such, Milwaukee is the most convincing heir to the Bavarian Biergarten tradition in North America, and Estabrook Beer Garden is its premier example. Situated beside the Milwaukee River, it’s got Hofbräu on tap, live music performances, and that deeply democratic atmosphere – bring your own food, share a bench with strangers, stay as long as you like – that rendered the original format so enduring. The verdant water-side setting makes it a cool choice for a hot summer’s day.
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Cincinnati Lager House, Cincinnati
Also occupying an enviable riverfront location in a city with strong German roots, Cincinnati Lager House combines craft brewing with views of the Ohio River and downtown skyline. Set within the lively Banks district, between iconic sporting stadiums and the waterfront, the venue pays tribute to Cincinnati’s rich brewing heritage with a selection of house-brewed lagers, ales and seasonal releases served with a generous helping of Midwestern hospitality. Grab a seat on the spacious terrace and watch the boats drift by while locals gather over pints, pretzels and frequent live music events.
Steam Whistle Kitchen, Toronto
Toronto’s largest independent craft brewery occupies one of the more remarkable settings of any brewery in North America: a converted 1929 railway roundhouse, just a short walk from the CN Tower. The beer is brewed on site, but visitors come for much more than a freshly poured pilsner. The sprawling biergarten combines railway heritage, skyline views and friendly Canadian service with long communal tables, regular live entertainment and immersion in one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Between the preserved locomotives, the iconic tower overhead and the bustle of downtown just beyond, it’s a beer garden with a real sense of place.
Cerveza Patagonia, Bariloche
Heading south – far south – to Argentina, Cerveza Patagonia boasts an epic location of a different kind: just outside Bariloche on the Circuito Chico road beside glacial Lake Moreno, with the dramatic Andes rising in the distance. The expansive beer garden terrace was designed to showcase the breathtaking view – drink it all in while sipping a flight of beers brewed on-site and savouring regional specialities like Patagonian lamb or smoked trout. It might not be Munich, but it’s truly a beer garden experience worth travelling for.
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