WHEN the sun shines, few things are more satisfying than a nice cold drink in a pub garden. Vibe picked out five of the best.

The Dolphin

Sydenham Road, Sydenham

Swish inside and out, the pub has a long list of drinks, games and food to keep you occupied.

The garden is gorgeous and looks like it was designed by Ticthmarsh on a Spirograph – neat foot-high hedges and stumpy sleepers in puzzling circles. Small bistro-style tables maximise space.

The Guildford Arms

Guildford Grove, Greenwich

Some narrow stairs have to be negotiated to get to the sunken garden, but it is so good that parents with push chairs don’t think twice.

Top drinks include three Mean Time ales, while the food looks like it is from a magazine.

The garden has its own small bar and is a multi-level sun-kissed heat trap that looks like it is from a boutique cider commercial.

The Fighting Cocks

The Street, Horton Kirby

Family friendly, dog friendly and generally just friendly, this vast garden is bordered by a river, has a picturesque conservatory for dining.

Kids can stay active in the impressive playground, stare through cages at chickens and rabbits or run riot on the massive green space.

With plenty of tables, the garden is perfect for a jug of Pimms and there’s even a cordoned section for weddings or functions.

The Tiger’s Head

Watt's Lane, Chislehurst

Soak up the sun, and a few units, in a pub that seems miles from the hustle and bustle of grey suburbia.

Opposite a beautiful green and surrounded by white wooden-front houses you can leave the world behind in the Tiger’s Head’s homely atmosphere.

Change of Horses

High Street, Farnborough

You know when you come to Farnborough that you are in for a treat and this 250-year-old pub makes the most of its lovely surroundings with a great garden where you can sit and relax with the highly-rated food while the kids run themselves ragged in the play area.

  • Where is your favourite pub garden? Let us know in the comments below or tweet @JimNewsquest.

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