Essex


<p>From a riverside pub to village local, we&#8217;ve scoured the county for amazing alfresco areas. Sun cream at the ready: here&#8217;s the best Essex beer gardens to head to.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chequers-matching-green"><a href="https://thechequersmatchinggreen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chequers</a>, Matching Green</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Chequers-Matching-Green-01-edited-768x1024-1.jpg" alt="Terrace at The Chequers Matching Green" class="wp-image-28671" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Chequers-Matching-Green-01-edited-768x1024-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Chequers-Matching-Green-01-edited-768x1024-1-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Chequers-Matching-Green-01-edited-768x1024-1-666x1000.jpg 666w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/The-Chequers-Matching-Green-01-edited-768x1024-1-768x1153.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re after a trendy spot to sup an Aperol, <a href="https://thechequersmatchinggreen.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chequers</a> is the place. Hiding behind the pub’s picture-perfect exterior is a colourful terrace with orange leather banquettes, tropical-print cushions and popping palm tree mural. Close your eyes and you could be in Ibiza (well, almost). The odd shower isn&#8217;t a problem –&nbsp;the terrace has a retractable roof!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cricketers-clavering"><a href="https://www.thecricketers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricketers</a>, Clavering</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/cricketers-clavering-copy.jpg" alt="Exterior of The Cricketers Clavering" class="wp-image-28672" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/cricketers-clavering-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/cricketers-clavering-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/cricketers-clavering-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/cricketers-clavering-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Once owned by Jamie Oliver’s folks, <a href="https://www.thecricketers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricketers Clavering</a> is another pub to head to for a good Essex beer garden while the sun carries on shining. The menus are varied – and all dishes are as mouth-watering as they sound. It&#8217;s dog-friendly, too, with fur babies enjoying high protein snacks, nibbles and sausages from the kitchen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galvin-green-man-chelmsford"><a href="https://galvinrestaurants.com/pub-restaurant-chelmsford-essex-galvin-green-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galvin Green Man</a>, Chelmsford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Green-Man-Garden-31.jpg" alt="Galvin Green Man pub garden" class="wp-image-28673" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Green-Man-Garden-31.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Green-Man-Garden-31-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Green-Man-Garden-31-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Green-Man-Garden-31-768x767.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Green-Man-Garden-31-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://galvinrestaurants.com/pub-restaurant-chelmsford-essex-galvin-green-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galvin Green Man</a> dates to 1341, making it one of the oldest pubs in the UK. As well as its enormous beer garden there&#8217;s also a huge play area for kids, with plenty of space to dine. Run by award-winning chefs the Galvin brothers, its Bib Gourmand credentials ticks all the boxes for stress-free drinking and eating.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hoop-stock"><a href="https://www.thehoop.co.uk/visit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hoop</a>, Stock</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1001" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop.jpg" alt="Garden at The Hoop" class="wp-image-28677" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop.jpg 1001w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-668x1000.jpg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/the-hoop-768x1150.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></figure>



<p>Wherever you choose to sit at <a href="https://www.thehoop.co.uk/visit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hoop</a> you&#8217;re in for a treat. Out the front are benches opposite the picturesque village green so you can watch the world go by, but the garden at the back has had a brand new makeover (if you needed an excuse to visit), with fresh new paving and stylish benches. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cricketers-arms-rickling-green"><a href="https://thecricketersarmspub.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricketers Arms</a>, Rickling Green</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/05/1-10-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Cricketers Arms Rickling Green" class="wp-image-22496" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/05/1-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/05/1-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/05/1-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/05/1-10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As well as <a href="https://thecricketersarmspub.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricketers Arms</a> having a bar and restaurant that serves local, seasonal dishes that are almost too pretty to eat (we said almost), its outside space is bang beside a huge green (Rickling that is – hence the name), perfect for relaxing by with a tipple or two. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-three-horseshoes-fordham"><a href="https://threehorseshoesfordham.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Horseshoes</a>, Fordham</h2>



<p><a href="https://threehorseshoesfordham.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Horseshoes</a> offers amazing food and drinks – plus an outside space to enjoy it all. You&#8217;ve a choice of menus, from pub classics to à la carte, kids&#8217; options plus Sunday lunches. Decisions, decisions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-peterboat-leigh-on-sea"><a href="https://thepeterboat.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peterboat</a>, Leigh on Sea</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy-1.jpg" alt="The Peterboat terrace" class="wp-image-28675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Peterboat-copy-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Situated in the heart of Old Leigh’s cobbled lanes and with views across the estuary, it’s no surprise that&nbsp;<a href="https://thepeterboat.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peterboat</a>&nbsp;is on our best Essex beer gardens line-up. Famed for the freshest fish dishes since 1695, bag a spot on the seafront patio and order their signature cockle chowder. With an ice cold glass of white wine, of course.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-king-s-head-ongar"><a aria-label="The King’s Head (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.kingsheadongar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The King’s Head</a>, Ongar</h2>



<p>Laced with outdoor lighting, swanky lounging sets and modern furniture, <a href="https://www.kingsheadongar.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The King’s Head</a>&nbsp;courtyard is a smart choice for chic swillers. Nab a cushioned sofa, order a bottle of something bubbly and people watch while you tuck into one of the pub’s signature wood-fired pizzas. See you there.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lion-inn-boreham"><a aria-label="The Lion Inn, Boreham (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lioninnhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lion Inn</a>, Boreham</h2>



<p>Offering stylish courtyard dining for light bites and drinks, Boreham&#8217;s <a href="https://www.lioninnhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lion Inn</a>&#8216;s great for a long lunch with friends. The bar is pure French theatre, with an eclectic mix of antiques and salvaged finds. Outside, drink in piazza-style views while perusing the menu, which delivers fresh plates of quality pub classics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-anchor-hullbridge"><a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/local-pub/anchor-hullbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anchor</a>, Hullbridge</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/4-2.jpg" alt="The Anchor Hullbridge" class="wp-image-16551" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/4-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/4-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/4-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Also on our best Essex beer gardens is <a href="https://www.theanchorhullbridge.co.ukhttps://www.mcmullens.co.uk/local-pub/anchor-hullbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anchor</a>, boasting River Crouch views. With sailboats bobbing, it’s not hard to see why it&#8217;s dubbed The Essex Riviera. Grab a table on the decking and enjoy top-notch pub grub. Their <a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/app/uploads/2026/05/NHC-Summer-Sips-Menus-2026-compressed.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Sips</a> menu is a calling! Paloma Spritz anyone?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fox-on-the-green-finchingfield"><a aria-label="The Fox on the Green (opens in a new tab)" href="https://foxonthegreen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fox on the Green</a>, Finchingfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-3.jpg" alt="The Fox on the Green Finchingfield" class="wp-image-16552" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Overlooking &#8216;the prettiest village in Essex,&#8217;&nbsp;<a href="https://foxonthegreen.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fox on the Green</a>&nbsp;is everything you expect a country pub to be. Nab a spot at the front and watch ducks glide across the pond, or head to the beer garden out back. All that and tasty local produce, plus ales, spirits and wines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-swan-inn-chappel"><a href="https://www.swaninn-chappel.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Swan Inn</a>,  Chappel</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/9-1.jpg" alt="The Swan Inn Chappel" class="wp-image-16560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/9-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/9-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/9-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dating to 1350, <a href="https://www.swaninn-chappel.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Swan Inn</a>&#8216;s interior is seriously jaw-dropping. Serving seasonal menus, cocktails, ales and fine wines, it&#8217;s bang next to Chappel&#8217;s viaduct. Head outside to enjoy the gorgeous beer garden with a glass of something chilled, plus dishes hand-sourced locally.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more?</h2>



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The best Essex beer gardens near you

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