By Leighanne Bent

Don’t get us wrong; we love rooftops just as much as the next guy, but there are some beautiful beer gardens out there too, and the time has come for you to check them out. We got in contact with DesignMyNight for their top picks – from a three-storey treehouse-themed garden to emerald green spaces with crazy golf and foosball, here’s the ultimate guide to drinking in the sun.

Alba

If you’re looking for a beer garden to unwind in, Alba’s your place. This relaxing hideaway can be found in Twickenham, and it specialises in authentic Italian food. Slink away from everyday life with one of their wood-fired pizzas, and take things back to basics with a cocktail (or five).

Tanner and Co

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s as beautiful on the inside as it is on the out, you can’t go wrong with Tanner and Co. This joint has cosy leather booths in the restaurant and a charming alfresco courtyard glowing with hundreds of fairy lights come nightfall. Still need convincing? They have a killer drinks menu featuring everything from plum negronis to booze-laced beer cocktails.

The Exhibit

If you’re familiar with The Exhibit, you’ll know that it’s one of the best places to hang out south of the river. It has industrial-cool interiors, a sound-proof cinema and a foliage-filled beer garden. Whether you’re tanning yourself while scoffing a bottomless brunch during the day or gearing up for your big night out with an Espresso Martini, you’re guaranteed to have a blast at this breezy beer garden.

The Faltering Fullback

For people in the know, The Faltering Fullback has one of the best beer gardens in London. It resembles a three-storey treehouse, decorated with winding ivy, hanging flower baskets and more greenery than you can shake a stick at. Settle into one of its cosy, sun-trapped corners and make the most of your long evenings.

People’s Park Tavern

There aren’t many places that can compete with People’s Park Tavern on the outdoor space front. This east London spot has a mind-boggling selection of craft beer on tap, stacks upon stacks of board games, and to top it off – they have a multi award-winning beer garden too. Featuring a crazy golf course and a foosball table, we don’t need to tell you twice that this place has some serious game.

The Leather Bottle

Although this pub has been around for 300 odd years, The Leather Bottle proves that some things in life never get old. Their grand beer garden is packed with pastel-coloured beach-style huts and they have an all-day BBQ shack that dishes out meaty burgers and crinkle-cut fries.

Belgrave Music Hall – Leeds

Belgrave Music Hall is spread across three floors, and you’ll find their beer garden perched at the very top of the building. It has green astro-turf grass, festoon lighting and they serve some of the best pizzas in the city. So what are you waiting for? Slap on some factor 50, throw on a sundress and take your beer garden antics to another level.

Revolution – Brighton

If you ever need to let you hair down in Brighton – direct your UBER driver to Revolution. This party place has a rum bar in the attic, a vodka lounge, and it also happens to boast Brighton’s biggest outdoor drinking area. Decorated with potted plants and boasting plenty of sheltered seating, it’s an all-rounder.

Jekyll and Hyde – Birmingham

With retro quizzes, a Victorian Gin Parlour and film-inspired club nights, Jekyll and Hyde is one of Birmingham’s quirkiest hangouts. Fall down the rabbit hole this summer and visit their Alice in Wonderland-themed garden. The purple painted walls have cartoon illustrations from the Disney classic and flowers bloom from all corners of its cute space.

Brel – Glasgow

Brel is one of the best beer gardens in Glasgow, and it went under a £400k makeover this summer, fixing it up to be one of the best in the UK. It now flaunts a 50 cover outdoor restaurant and different levels of seating for all of your sunbathing needs. They even give out complimentary sunscreen so you don’t return home a bright shade of scarlet.

For more info on the best beer gardens in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; @DesignMyNight.