AHEAD of pubs with outdoor areas being allowed to open for business on April 12, we are looking at the best beer gardens in the district.

The Tyne Valley is blessed with top watering holes, and many boast a garden area to be proud of.

As the weather starts to warm up, many people are turning their attentions to enjoying that first pulled pint in the sun for, what seems like, a lifetime.

We asked Hexham Courant readers for their favourite beer gardens, and the following scored highly among the public.

The Rat, Anick

Well-known for its excellent restaurant, the business is also a big hit when it comes to drinking.

And the outdoor area the rural pub provides saw it recommended by Hexham Courant readers on social media.

Owners Phil Mason and Karen Errington have helped make the Rat one of the best hospitality venues around, and it is little wonder it scores so highly with those after refreshments after so long in lockdown.

Joan Clark said the pub had a lovely garden, an amazing view and excellent beer!

The Grapes, Hexham

Perhaps one of the local pub trade’s best kept secrets, many may be surprised to discover the Grapes, in Hexham town centre, has a popular beer garden.

The pub which has a prominent spot on the town’s back street looks like a traditional boozer, but delve further back and there is a modern, welcoming garden space to enjoy a drink in the sun.

What makes it particularly popular is that it is a sun trap as well, so people can top up their tans while sinking a pint.

Blue Bell, Corbridge

The Blue Bell in Corbridge is one of the village’s most popular pubs, and it offers an equally good outdoor area.

Bernie Harrison said he enjoyed the outdoor area because it provided booths and a marquee in the beer garden to make sure customers were well looked after.

Other suggestions from our readers included the White Swan in Ovingham and the Adam and Eve, in Prudhoe.