Oldham is home to an abundance of top places to eat and drink - and with hopes of a dry bank holiday this weekend, where's better to relax than in a cosy beer garden?
While the forecast for May bank holiday weekend predicts more grey clouds on the way, it will at least be dry with highs up to 16 degrees and some sunny intervals to be expected, according to the Met Office.
And with such promising weather, where better to enjoy it than in an inviting outdoor space with award-winning pub food, a delightful craft ale (or two) and views across the countryside?
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So, here are some of the borough's best beer gardens and what to expect if you give them a visit.
Grains Bar Hotel, Saddleworth
With its views across the Saddleworth countryside, it's clear to see why the hotel on Ripponden Road was nominated a 'venue of the year' for weddings.
While it is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink outdoors, it also has a park area with a wooden castle for kids to explore.
Halfway House, Royton
The award-winning Halfway House on Rochdale Road, Royton is the proud owner of a large beer garden that serves as a suntrap where customers can bask in the sun.
In 2022, the pub was awarded Hero of Lockdown, Regional Pub of the Year, and Pub of the Year 2022 at the JW Lees Pub of the Year Awards - and hit headlines again in summer last year when it purchased a lifesaving defibrillator.
The Boat and Horses in Chadderton
The Boat and Horses pub is home to a spacious beer garden with canalside views of the Rochdale waterway.
On quiet days you can hear the barges go by.
The Grapes, Lees
This traditional pub situated in the heart of Lees has a spacious outdoor area where dogs are welcome, making it the ideal spot for a post-walk drink.
The Morning Star, Shaw
The Morning Star put and restaurant, which serves home-cooked dishes and quality real ale, was recently voted a top place for a pub quiz by readers of The Oldham Times.
It also happens to boast a large beer garden to watch the world go by.
The Cross Keys Inn in Uppermill
The Cross Keys Inn also has a large beer garden with stunning views over Uppermill village.
It’s also in a perfect location for sundowners.
The White Hart in Royton
The White Hart has a beer garden with open decking and a children’s play area of dreams.
It had some major improvements in 2022, which included sprucing up the beer garden with a refreshed new look.
The Courtyard Brewery, Royton
This enormously popular craft beer microbrewery and bar is a local favourite, serving street food through a hatch and boasting an array of high quality craft beer.
The 'hidden gem' also has a vibrant outdoor seating area, perfect for a bank holiday drink or two.
The Rose of Lancaster in Chadderton
The Rose of Lancaster is a traditional but stylish pub and restaurant.
It has the perfect beer garden to tuck into some of its homemade pub grub or traditional ales that are brewed a stone’s throw away.
The Puckersley Inn, Royton
The Puckersley Inn is another award-winner, scooping up Food Pub of the Year award at the JW Lees Pub of the Year Awards in 2022.
Outside, it also has an impressive beer garden with panoramic views.
The Highfield in Moorside
The Highfield has previously invested heavily in its beer garden which boasts a huge shed with a TV that plays the football.
The Sun Inn in Failsworth
As its name suggests, The Sun Inn is the proud owner of a sun-soaked beer garden.
It is known for its thriving community spirit, great selection of beers and hosting the football.
The Colliers Arms in Chadderton
The Collier Arms has even attracted celebrities to its pub over the years as it became a hotspot venue to film a new Disney+ series.
While there may be no celebs to spot this weekend, it does have a huge beer garden, children's play area and award-winning food on the menu.
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
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