pint

During last month’s heatwave I was lucky to cool off at an outside table at the Mayfly on the River Test near Stockbridge. Sipping a refreshing pint while leaping trout splashed in the water gave the scene a feel of the perfect English summer day. There’s a nearby weir, and forests and fields stretch into the distance. The pub has friendly staff, plenty of tables and a river-based menu including “brown butter chalk stream trout fillet” (£20.50) plus pub classics. If the setting inspired you as it did me, there are vineyards nearby to explore and the timber-framed village of Wherwell is just a stroll along the towpath.
Joe

A celebration of Hull’s maritime history

The Minerva stands at the entrance to Hull’s trendy marina and has fantastic views over the Humber estuary. It opened in 1829 and is decorated with pictures, photos, maps and shields that celebrate Hull’s maritime history. “The snug” can only fit two people and is claimed to be the smallest pub room in the UK. The staff are brilliant and there’s an ever-changing selection of guest ales.
Rob

Warrington’s most serene pub

The Ferry Tavern is a family-run pub that stands proud on its own island between the River Mersey and the Sankey to St Helen’s canal. Although it feels worlds away from nearby built-up areas, it’s easily accessible, and best approached on foot or by bike, sitting right on the Trans-Pennine trail. The beer garden stretches along the riverbank, and nursing a pint of ale on a summer evening while looking out across this tranquil section of the Mersey with all its birdlife is serenity. The 300-year-old tavern is all cosy low ceilings and wooden beams, perfection for the Sunday pub quiz, while Foodie Fridays attracts locals to themed cuisine from Mexican to Greek. The rest of the week, however, hot food is not served.
Matt Lunt

A grand pub on the Grand Union canal in Warwickshire

The 18th-century Blue Lias is a lovely family-run pub on the peaceful banks of the Grand Union canal in the heart of the verdant Warwickshire countryside. It beckoned me towards its outside beer garden as I strolled along the canal with its vibrant flower baskets hanging outside and the welcoming sound of friendly chatter from fellow walkers sipping ale. The pub is named after the clay that’s quarried in the area and offers a beautiful, calm ambience on a summer’s day with many people arriving on foot or by narrowboat.
Gina

Oozing history in Cornwall

The Pandora Inn, on the banks of Restronguet creek between Truro and Falmouth, is a fantastic place to watch the world go by. Parts of the pub date back to the 13th century and the flagstone floors and thatched roof ooze history. But for me, the main attraction is the pontoon reaching out into the creek – the perfect place to watch wildlife and the regular clientele arriving by smallboat and kayak. Plus, the cheesy chips are to die for!
Matt Croxall

Just wading birds for company, Cumbria

One of the best beer gardens and all-round views in the country must be at the Bay Horse on the outskirts of Ulverston. The pub-hotel sits where the Ulverston canal meets the tidal estuary of the River Leven – an idyllic spot between the vast otherworldly expanses of Morecambe Bay and the soaring mountains of the Lake District. Being out of town, it’s often quiet with only wading birds and the odd train for company. Being just outside the national park means the prices are also more Cumbrian (cheap) than at tourist traps in the Lakes.
Michael

A step ahead in north Devon

The Tarr Farm Inn in Exmoor is in a secluded valley right by Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle. It’s a fantastic spot for a dog walk and a pint of local cider while the kids paddle in the stream. The inn dates from the 1600s and serves outstanding food (it was once chosen to provide the VIP catering for Glastonbury festival).
Jen

The herons of Cambridge know a good pub

The Granta overlooks the Mill Pond and Sheep’s Green by the River Cam, and, despite being less than half a mile from the city centre, has countryside pub vibes. During the summer, cows may wander freely on the other side of the pond – old grazing rights are still utilised on Cambridge’s commons. Moorhens, mute swans and herons are regular neighbours, the latter often statue-like at the water’s edge. The pub’s terrace offers a chance to relax with a drink while watching over this watering hole. There’s even the chance of a cameo in cobalt from a passing kingfisher: an alternative Cambridge blue.
Sharon Pinner

Watering hole by south London’s River Wandle

The William Morris at Merton Abbey Mills in Colliers Wood, south London, is a super-friendly pub next to the River Wandle. There is regular live music, lovely independent shops, and children can watch a watermill and learn about water energy. Although there is lots of traffic not too far way, the actual pub, named after the 19th-century textile designer, is a fab watering hole where you can almost forget about London. A short walk away is the National Trust’s Morden Hall Park – you could whet your appetite by going there first.
Asa

Winning tip: Aire of excitement in Leeds

Piglove by the River sits in the Leeds’ Climate Innovation District on the River Aire. It’s not just the name that enchants. Owned by two Venezuelans who say they are inspired by the UK’s craft beer tradition, Piglove offers small-batch beers brewed on site, rotating weekend street-food trucks, and a programme of tone-perfect events: quiz nights, spoken word, post-run cool-downs, pride marches, and jazz if you time it right. There’s a greengrocers, mismatched benches, and the sense that something slightly bonkers might happen at any moment. It’s walkable from the city centre, waiting for you to be seduced by the hum of Friday-night gatherings or the scent of pizza wafting over the sunlit water.
Eliza Ainley

BLACK Sabbath fans were left stunned by sky-high prices at Villa Park – with a pint setting punters back up to £8 during the legendary band’s final hometown gig.

The Back to the Beginning supershow, held at Aston Villa’s stadium in Birmingham, marks Ozzy Osbourne’s last ever live performance – and the first time the full band have played together in two decades.

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But for many fans, the bar and food prices were almost as jaw-dropping as the music.

Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4.

A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half.

Cocktail fans after something stronger had to fork out £13 for a draught Rum Punch – while even a bottle of water cost £3.50.

In the Doug Ellis stand, the prices were just as steep – with a Carlsberg Pilsner priced at £6.50, a glass of wine for £7, and both a gin and tonic and a vodka lemonade costing £7.50 each.

And it wasn’t just the drinks that had fans digging deep.

Food options were limited and pricey too – with a sausage roll setting you back £5, a steaky pasty £6.50, and Yardbirds chicken and chips costing a whopping £15.

Even the basics weren’t cheap – a can of Coke was £3.50, a bar of chocolate £2.50, and a bag of Walkers crisps £2.20.

Fancy a hot drink? That’s £3.95 for a tea and £4.50 for an espresso.

Fans weren’t impressed.

Some took to social media to vent their frustration, saying the prices were “festival-level rip-offs” and that it “left a bad taste before the music even started”.

One gig-goer told us: “I knew it’d be expensive but £8 for a pint and £7 for chips? That’s taking the Mick.”

Another said: “You expect a bit of markup, but this is madness.

Ozzy’s not the only one going out with a bang – so is my bank account.”

The backlash over food and drink prices follows recent criticism surrounding the cost of VIP meet-and-greet packages with Ozzy Osbourne, set to take place during his upcoming appearance at Comic Con Midlands.

Fans are being charged £666 for the ‘Ultimate Sin’ VIP package – which includes a group photo with Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. But only two people are allowed per photo (except under-5s).

Want an autograph? That’ll cost extra.

Ozzy will sign a book for £225, or a poster, album or toy for £375. And if you want him to sign your guitar or mic?

That’ll be £750 – bringing the total package cost to £1,416.

Fan backlash has been fierce. One wrote: “Laughable prices, genuinely laughable.”

Another joked: “Time to start selling me kidney.”

While fans might be fuming over costs, the buzz inside Villa Park is electric.

This is a historic night – the last time Birmingham’s own heavy metal gods will share the stage in their hometown.

Ozzy, who’s battled serious health issues in recent years, admitted he won’t be performing a full set.

He said: “We’re only playing a couple of songs each.

“I don’t want people thinking ‘we’re getting ripped off’, because it’s just going to be … what’s the word? … a sample.”

He added: “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.”

The Back to the Beginning festival line-up is packed with legends, including Metallica, Slayer and Pantera – all joining in to celebrate Black Sabbath’s final bow.

Fans from across the UK – and some flying in from overseas – have packed out the stadium to say one last goodbye to the band that helped invent heavy metal.

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A British man recently visited Benidorm and ordered a pint at a well-known bar. He was floored when he was told the price of the tipple, and what it would set him back

A British man ordered a pint in Benidorm but was left totally floored by the price. The man, who appears to be no stranger to Spain, was taken aback when he was told how much a drink would set him back at the popular holiday hotspot.

Known as the Benidorm Fanatic to his TikTok followers, he told people he headed to Uncle Ron’s bar, which is said to be “famous” for its pints, notable for how cheap they’re sold for. As he ventured to the venue, he was left astoudned at the price list, as he seriously got a lot for his money.

In the clip, he said: “I tell you what, I believe it’s actually a very, very nice pint as well, so it comes to the equivalent of about 84p in British money. Let’s go and try it out, shall we? Let’s give it a try.”

After he made his way to the bar, he added: “So there you go, I’ll give you a euro, a €1 pint, and I’ll take that. Let’s try this €1 pint. Look at that – a nice, clean, cold pint. It’s got a nice, good head on it – let’s try it.

“That is actually one of the best pints I’ve had in one of the popular bars. That is actually one of the best pints I’ve had in Benidorm to be honest with you. €1, I’ll drink them all day.”

Since he shared the video, many people have viewed it, and they were quick to comment too. They shared their thoughts, and some posted their own Benidorm stories.

One said: “Wow.” Another shared: “I was there last week.”

A third replied: “Lovely pint. Had many.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Bargain.”

If you’ve never heard of Uncle Ron’s before, it’s a popular spot for British tourists in Benidorm. As well as being known for its cheap drinks, it also serves food too.

According to TripAdvisor, the venue serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also has 3.8/5 rating on average, according to the review platform. Many people say it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for a reasonable meal and a few drinks while on holiday.

In the review section, one person wrote: “Had a fantastic breakfast at Ron’s today. Lovely English produce. Great service. Brilliant staff.

“A massive group came in, but they were serviced promptly. Don’t know how they manage with so few staff.”

Another said: “Last day we visited for some lunch before heading to airport. Left full, which is always a good thing. In all my times of going here, never left unhappy at the service nor the food – always really good.”

A third replied: “We went many times during our two-week holiday. The staff are friendly and extremely hard working day and night.

“Cheapest drinks you will find in town and food to suit everyone (daily deal only 6 euros). It’s not a stylish 5* restaurant but then you wouldn’t expect it.

“For drinks just go to the bar like a normal bar. Always busy Sunday and Friday, so expect to book if you want a Sunday lunch. Would we go again? Certainly would!”

A weekend break in Debrecen, known as Europe’s cheap pint capital, is a fine idea for those seeking a value-packed city break, as well as a thirst for a cheap pint

Europe’s most affordable city for a pint continues to offer beer at five times less than the UK average – and it’s just a short, budget-friendly flight away. Located in Hungary’s Northern Great Plain region, Debrecen isn’t merely known for its inexpensive beverages. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend escape and with careful planning, it could be the best value trip you’ve ever taken.

According to price comparison site Skyscanner, return flights from Luton Airport to the city can cost as little as £23 if you choose the right time of year. The journey is well under three hours, and Debrecen has earned its title as Europe’s cheap pint capital.

READ MORE: ‘I made one change to my meals and lost weight, felt fuller and cut down my caffeine’

Thirsty travellers can enjoy a Soproni lager for a mere 79p, with the average lager costing around 82p. This is a staggering 6.6 times cheaper than the average price of a pint in London, where a drink now costs a hefty £5.90 on average.

Even Derby – deemed the UK’s cheapest place for a pint in one study – can’t compete with these prices, with the average cost in the Midlands city being £3. But Debrecen offers more than just affordable drinks; it’s a captivating city in its own right.

The vibrant university town boasts the grand yellow Reformatus Nagytemplom cathedral, an extensive museum dedicated to Hungarian culture, a zoo, and a theme park.

The inflationary pressures of recent years have significantly impacted the cost of alcoholic beverages in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics released last year revealed that the average price of a pint of draught lager in a pub rose by 12.1% between August 2022 and August 2023, from £4.12 to £4.65.

With many people’s wages failing to keep up, an evening at the local might start to feel like an indulgence.

However, there’s good news – Debrecen isn’t the only place in Europe where you can find a bargain pint, and we’ve highlighted a few other destinations here. But if you’re looking to avoid places where you’ll be charged an arm and a leg for a beer, you might want to give Iceland a miss – a pint there now costs an average of £8.33.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – £1.60 a pint

A tried and true favourite, this Canary Island gem continues to offer excellent value for money. With stunning sea views, a tranquil atmosphere, and incredibly cheap pints, it’s no wonder why.

If you visit in June before the school summer holidays, you’ll find pleasant weather and great value for money on-site, all while avoiding peak season airfares and hotel rates.

Faro, Portugal – £2.18 a pint

The Algarve is known for its crystal-clear waters, sunshine, delicious cuisine, and budget-friendly drinking spots. Consider Faro for your next European getaway for wallet-friendly prices on flights, hotel stays, and in-destination expenses – beers start at just £2.

Zagreb, Croatia – £2.44 a pint

Zagreb conjures images of sun-soaked beaches during the day and lively socialising with mates at night, all made more appealing by a remarkably affordable pint price of just £2.44. To make the most of your savings, steer clear of the school holidays and plan your visit for May-June.