A PUB near Chard has been named among the best places for a pint and something to eat in the sunshine.

New analysis of digital trends and sunlight data has revealed the UK’s top 10 best pubs for drinking and dining this summer.

“We know Brits are eager to find the best pubs around, with the keywords ‘best pub near me’ being searched 33,100 times in the past month,” said a spokesperson from holidaycottages.co.uk, who carried out the analysis.

“‘Beer garden’ also has 60,500 searches in the past month (April to May), and further increased by more than 170% during the recent heatwave.”

In a bid to help holidaymakers find the best pubs and beer gardens beyond their local, regional experts at holidaycottages.co.uk analysed and combined ratings from TripAdvisor and Untappd ratings, as well as the number of sunlight hours each area received to reveal the greatest pubs nationwide.

And The Cotley Inn, at Wambrook, near Chard, makes the list – securing sixth place in the top 10.

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The top 10 best pubs in Britain for summer:

1. Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery, St Austell, Cornwall
Hicks Bar is located in St Austell Brewery’s Visitor Centre, 300 metres from St Austell Railway Station.
It scores an outstanding 5/5 on TripAdvisor ratings and boasts 4.2 hours of average daily sunlight across the year, making it the highest rated pub on the list.

2. The Boathouse, Falmouth, Cornwall
Perched above the harbour with sweeping views of the Fal Estuary, The Boathouse is a popular local spot offering rotating cask ales, fresh seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere.
With guest beers from Cornwall and beyond, expect a mix of hoppy pale ales, smooth bitters, and the occasional bold stout on tap, leading to it boasting the sixth highest Untappd rating of all the UK pubs ranked.
It also boasts a seasonal food menu which is proudly local: think crab loaded fries, beer-battered fish, and hearty Sunday roasts. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and service runs from lunch through to late evening.

3. Rigg and Furrow at Farmhouse Brewery, Acklington, Northumberland
Tucked away on a working farm in the Northumberland countryside, the Rigg and Furrow is a hidden gem that’s earned cult status among craft beer lovers, with a rating of 4.9 on TripAdvisor, the second highest in the rankings.
The taproom, set in a converted milking parlour, pours the brewery’s ever-evolving lineup of small-batch beers – ranging from crisp lagers and hazy pale ales to complex saisons and farmhouse-style brews.
There’s no formal kitchen, but a rotation of street food vans and pop-ups keep things fresh, offering everything from wood-fired pizza to gourmet burgers on weekends.

4. The Joiners Arms, Llandeilo Ferwallt / Bishopston, South Wales
A village gem, this pub is a true local favourite with a fantastic range of drinks – evidenced in it holding the highest Untappd rating out of all pubs ranked – including fruity ciders, crisp lagers and real ales from local breweries.
In the colder months, it’s all about cosying up by one of the crackling fires with a pint in hand and a plate of homemade comfort food – expertly cooked by Ian, the owner, who regulars say has never missed the mark in over 30 years.
In summer, the sun-drenched beer garden is the perfect spot to sip a chilled cider and soak up the atmosphere and don’t be surprised if you end up chatting with one of the friendly regulars.

5. Bayards Cove Inn, Dartmouth, Devon
Just steps from the waterfront in historic Dartmouth, Bayards Cove Inn blends centuries of character with award-winning hospitality. Housed in a 14th-century building, the pub and restaurant has earned itself an impressive reputation, with an impressive ranking of 4.6 on TripAdvisor and recently taking home Best Pub at the 2024 Food and Drink Devon Awards.
Inside, it’s low beams, flickering candlelight, and warm welcome creates instant familiarity.
On the menu is local, seasonal ingredients turned into generous portions – from fresh Brixham seafood to rich West Country pies.

The Bayards Cove Inn, at Dartmouth, Devon. Picture: Google

6. The Cotley Inn, Wambrook, Somerset
Tucked into the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, The Cotley Inn is the epitome of a modern country pub with its rustic charm and seasonal food.
Family-run, it’s earned accolades for both its service and food, with menus rooted in the region’s best produce, much of it sourced from nearby farms and coastlines, it’s earned a rating of 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor.
Behind the bar, you’ll find carefully chosen local ales, crisp ciders, and a thoughtfully crafted wine list. The food is refined but unpretentious: Sunday roasts are a favourite, and the seasonal specials are always worth exploring.
The garden contains views over rolling fields – a dream in the sun – while the log fires inside make it just as inviting in winter. Dog and walker-friendly, it’s a lovely pub to stop at for either lunch or until last orders, and there are plenty of cottages close-by to head to after it closes, with the town of Chard just two miles away.

7. The Chemist Inn, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
Perched above the beach with stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coast, The Chemist Inn is a hidden gem that blends coastal charm with fantastic pub fare.
Boasting a score of 3.75 on Untappd, the second highest of all pubs ranked, it’s a favourite among beer lovers.
Recently renovated, this dog-friendly pub boasts a spacious beer garden where you can enjoy a refreshing pint while taking in panoramic views of Saundersfoot Bay.

8. The Thatch, Croyde, Devon
Situated in the picturesque village of Croyde, The Thatch is true to its name, with its quaint thatched roof and warm, welcoming village-pub feel, capturing the essence of coastal living. Just a short walk from the bay, this pub is a favourite with surfers, walkers, and holidaymakers.
The menu offers generous portions of hearty pub food, from locally caught seafood to classic burgers and vegetarian options.
With a sun-soaked beer garden in summer and cosy log fires to huddle round on winter evenings, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the South West Coast Path or catching waves at Croyde Bay and to enjoy the live music.

9. The Commercial Inn, Glossop, Derbyshire
Earning 4.8/5 stars on TripAdvisor, the joint-third highest rated in our dataset, this traditional community pub cements its place as a British favourite.
The pub is situated near the bottom of Snake Pass, a picturesque backdrop if you choose to enjoy a pint from the outdoor seats.
Visitors rate the pub’s beer and ale selection highly, with it earning 3.62/5 stars according to Untappd, ranking joint-fifth across all the pubs surveyed.
Food is home-cooked by Sarah’s Kitchen and served in a separate dining area five days a week (Wednesday to Friday).
Guests can also enjoy a games room, live music on Saturday nights and enjoy the company of furry friends inside if they wish.

The Queens Head, in Bramfield, Suffolk. Picture: Google

10. Queen’s Head, Bramfield, Suffolk
This cosy gastropub dates back to the 1540s and preserves its original features, such as its wooden beamed ceiling, exposed fireplace, traditional serving hatch and pine tables, as well as boasting a large walled garden that’s perfect for summer.
Rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, it’s a solid choice for enjoying a pint if you find yourself in the Suffolk countryside, and it’s dog-friendly, too.
The pub is renowned for its locally-sourced, freshly prepared food, featuring a regularly changing menu and daily specials.
It also offers a rotating selection of cask ales and craft beers sourced from local breweries, as well as an impressive cocktail menu. Winner of many pub and food accolades, it’s well worth a visit.

To find places to stay near Britain’s best pubs, visit holidaycottages.co.uk and for more on The Cotley Inn, at Wambrook, log on to cotleyinnwambrook.co.uk.