BEER gardens have been busier than ever this week with the soaring summer temperatures and people needing a cold, refreshing drink.

But where is the number one spot in the area for enjoying a drink in the sunshine?

We’ve compiled a list of the top seven places that are ideal for a drink al fresco in a bid to find the Best Beer Garden.

And don’t forget that if you fill in the coupon inside this week’s Northwich Guardian and email it to us, it gives five votes to your favourite.

In our latest Best of 2022 competition, there are three ways to vote for the area’s Best Beer Garden:

1. Search for the Best Of post on our Northwich Guardian, Knutsford Guardian or Winsford and Middlewich Guardian Facebook pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s Northwich Guardian, Knutsford Guardian or Winsford and Middlewich Guardian (July 21 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk – please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to Newsquest.co.uk/terms)

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday and we will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best Of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR SEVEN BEST BEER GARDENS SHORTLIST:

The Kings Lock, Booth Lane, Middlewich

With a “beer garden on the side of the canal in Middlewich”, what more could you ask for on a hot summer’s day?

Live music and cask ales served al fresco make this a popular destination for regulars.

For more details go to facebook.com/thekingslock

The Kings Lock

The Kings Lock

The Old Star, Darnall, Winsford

The covered and outdoor seating options give customers a choice of where to enjoy their drinks or food with the “lively friendly atmosphere” getting a thumbs up.

This was nominated several times by readers.

For more details go to facebook.com/theoldstar

The Old Star

The Old Star

The Kingfisher, Kingsmead Square, Northwich

The reviews for The Kingfisher mention the “outstanding food”, “value for money” and staff “go above and beyond” for customers.

It’s also “without doubt one of the best places to eat”.

Visitors love the beer garden as much as the hard working staff.

For more details go to facebook.com/thekingfisherpub

The Kingfisher

The Kingfisher

The Broken Cross, Rudheath

This venue is no stranger to the Best of 2022 competition having made the shortlist for Northwich’s best roast dinner.

The scenic views draw in the customers with one nomination reminiscing about spending Sundays in the beer garden watching the boats go by.

For more details go to facebook.com/TheBrokenCrossCW9

The Broken Cross

The Broken Cross

The Green Dragon, Witton Street, Northwich

The establishment was one of the finalists in our search for Best Pub and is now one of the top seven nominations for Best Beer Garden.

Reviews recommend the “great garden” and “friendly atmosphere” as well as the staff who “couldn’t do enough for us”.

For more details go to facebook.com/greendragonnorthwich

The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon

The Carriers Inn at Hatchmere Lake, Delamere Forest

Claiming to have the “perfect beer garden”, this venue has made the shortlist.

This “stunning country pub with fantastic views over Hatchmere Lake in Delamere Forest” serves food and drink in an ideal location.

For more details go to facebook.com/carriersinnhatchmerelake

The Carriers Inn

The Carriers Inn

The White Bear, Knutsford

This newly renovated beer garden is modern and welcoming prompting customers to return for another visit.

One review on their Facebook page said: “The service is outstanding, the food is amazing and the outdoor terrace made us feel like we were on holiday.”

For more details go to facebook.com/TheWhiteBearKnutsford

The White Bear

The White Bear