Hear me out: The beer garden is to summer what a Christmas market is to winter. They bring out the best in humanity—cheer and joy—and truly mark the arrival of the season. Sharing a few drinks with good company in the sunshine. What’s more summery than that? With the weather finally improving, we’re looking for lots of outdoor space, glistening surroundings and a range of beverages. So here’s our guide to the very best pub beer gardens in Birmingham.
1. The Plough
You won’t find many better beer gardens in Birmingham than at The Plough in Harborne. It’s not just that it’s a suntrap, full of greenery, mixing sleek and stylish with village vibes, and a simple yet hugely satisfying gastro menu—serving everything from stone-baked pizzas to roast dinners, homemade chilli to fish finger sandwiches. The Plough adapts to all weathers, making its beer garden a wonderful experience no matter the season.
The Plough, 21 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NT
2. The Old Crown
Everyone’s a summer evening in Birmingham’s oldest pub. Can you be considered a Brummie if you haven’t? The great thing about The Old Crown’s pub garden is that it often hosts several exciting events. You’ll find yourself wrapped in everything from discos to pub quizzes. Perfect if you’re looking for somewhere with a buzz of energy this summer.
The Old Crown, High St, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD
3. The Distillery
The Distillery is perfectly situated on the water’s edge. You’ll often find it heaving on a hot day (especially when there’s sports on), and adding a great atmosphere on the canalside—and as beer gardens go in Birmingham, you won’t find many bigger!
Plus, it’s also home to Birmingham’s first city centre distillery, Roundhouse Gin, which makes this place ideal for G&T… or two. So, whether lounging in the gin garden, catching DJs on the terrace, or sipping on a chilled pint by the water, it’s the perfect summertime tipple.
The Distillery, 4 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
4. The Lord Clifden
This newly refurbished, legendary Victorian pub is now under new ownership and has returned to its more traditional roots. Named after a 19th-century racehorse, The Lord Clifden still boasts one of the best beer gardens in Birmingham—and it’s also got a giant screen for sports enthusiasts. You’ll also find an array of freshly made small plates, burgers, sandwiches and pub classics; a wide selection of fine wines and spirits, indie beers, cask ales, world lagers; and regular DJ nights, live music, pub quizzes and open mics.
The Lord Clifden, 34 Great Hampton St, Birmingham B18 6AA
5. The Botanist
What used to be The Canal House and one of the best beer gardens in the country is now The Botanist. But it’s basically still the same place—with added hanging kebabs, flowery interiors, and twinkly lights. With its sophisticated style, stunning views of the canal, and City Centre location, The Botanist remains among Birmingham’s best.
The Botanist, 12 Bridge St, Birmingham B1 2JR
6. The Flapper
Most people know The Flapper for its legendary rock’n’roll status. Some of the coolest bands in Birmingham have started their career at the grass-roots venue, with live music available up to seven days a week. But, situated on James Brindley Walk and the Cambrian Wharf canal basin, The Flapper is also a large sun trap. The laid back atmosphere at this canal-side beer garden is perfect for late summer drinks, whether you’re planning to catch a show or not.
The Flapper, Cambrian Wharf, Kingston Row, Birmingham B1 2NU
7. The British Oak
The British Oak in Stirchley has been going for almost 100 years (having opened in 1926). And it still knows how to show its visitors a good time. Not only does the beer garden offer lots of space, but the lack of built-up buildings in the area ensures you get plenty of sunshine too. But that’s not all as the beer garden is often home to live music. Meaning a party vibe is often on the table at The British Oak in the evenings. In need of food? Birmingham street food icons Original Patty Men also serve their burgers at the pub!
The British Oak, 1364 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2XS
8. Button Factory
The Button Factory has always had one of the best beer gardens in Birmingham. The roof terrace means you always catch the sunshine wherever you’re sitting. It’s absolutely glowing. But the Jewellery Quarter bar’s options are about to get a whole lot better this summer. In addition, The Yard offers a secret, 350-capacity, outdoor space with DJs perfect for catching some of the sunshine coming our way—and it also features a retractable roof in case of rain!
The Button Factory, 25 Frederick Street, B1 3HH
9. The High Field
The High Field in Edgbaston adds a splash of class to the traditional pub beer garden. Gorgeous green lawns, trees and shrubbery, deck chairs and umbrellas, and some top-notch grub served all day give this sun-soaked garden a village pub vibe. Alongside the spacious garden, there’s also a sunny terrace, while outdoor huts provide an exclusive space for bigger groups.
The High Field, 22 Highfield Rd, Birmingham B15 3DP
10. The Rainbow
The Rainbow is a legendary Birmingham boozer, and its quirky, 240-capacity courtyard offers something a little different to your classic pub garden. With colourful graffiti and hanging plants, catch the biggest sporting events, grab a bite to eat from BA-HA, and listen to local DJs and live performances.
The Rainbow, 160 High St, Bordesley, Birmingham B12 0LD
11. The Physician
The Physician used to house the vast ‘Sampson Gangee Library for the History of Medicine’, but nowadays, it is better known for its pub garden. The flagstone-walled terrace garden to the rear of the pub can host many on a summer’s day. And, if you’re lucky, you may even catch the chef cooking up a BBQ, while a live band plays on a weekend in the garden!
The Physician, Harborne Rd, Birmingham B15 3DH
12. Hop Garden
With a name like that, you’d better have one of the best beer gardens in Birmingham. Well, Hop Garden delivers. It’s a small pub with a huge garden, selling a mix of cask ales and craft beers.
Hop Garden, 19 Metchley Ln, Harborne, Birmingham B17 0HT
13. The Prince of Wales
Nestled in the heart of Moseley, The Prince of Wales’ hidden beer garden has everything from live music to wood-burning fire pits and its very own garden bar – serving beers, wines and Tiki-style cocktails. You’ll also find street food takeovers firing up the grill and live sports events on the big screens. The Prince of Wales basically has everything you could ever want from a beer garden in Birmingham, including lots of space and sunshine!
Prince of Wales, 118 Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8EE