11 of the best places to eat with a great view
When it comes to the pubs, restaurants, and gastropubs in the Eat Drink Meet collection, it’s all in the name – mouth-watering dishes and tantalising tipples. But if you ask us, the backdrop to your next ideal meeting place is just as important.
Get your camera ready, because we’ve gathered a list of the most eye-catching locations that are a feast for the eyes and stomach.
A pub with forest and river views: The Saxon Mill, Warwick
A vibrant green forest hugging the banks of the River Avon. Tranquil waters. Dreamlike serenity. That’s only a glimpse into what this charming pub in the heart of Warwick offers – and we haven’t even started describing the menus, yet!
But now that we’ve mentioned it… can you picture yourself sitting here, in their very own courtyard, savouring comforting classics, modern delights and toasting to amazing views with crafted cocktails? We certainly can.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The view is amazing, as you can see from the photos. I even saw people who were diving into the water. People who were fishing too.”
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A pub with countryside, sunset, and river views: The St George & Dragon, Wargrave
If you had countryside and river views on your Wargrave sightseeing to-do list, it’s time to start crossing them off – all while you’re discovering your new favourite gastropub dishes and real ale, wine, and lager, of course.
Boasting picturesque views of the iconic River Thames and lush landscapes beyond, The St George and Dragon provides their own unique spin on R&R – remarkable scenery intertwined with a relaxing, soul-soothing atmosphere. We’d also recommend staying until the sun sets. Trust us.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very interesting restaurant at a fairly idyllic bend in the Thames, which makes for great sunsets.”
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A pub with country views: The Pine Marten, Harrogate
They say some things get better with age, and when you wander onto the grandiose grounds of The Pine Marten in Harrogate – one of the oldest pubs in the UK – you’ll definitely agree.
As tempting as it is to drink up their stylish interiors along with your favourite iconic cocktail, we’d suggest discovering the wonders outside. Get comfortable in their idyllic – and vast – garden and discover countryside views as enchanting as their pub menus, featuring seasonal pub dishes and contemporary twists on classic cuisine.
If you lose track of time being dazzled by the effortless elegance of this historic pub and its picturesque surroundings, there’s even a hotel upstairs – just in case you need more time to take pictures…
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very pleasant location and surroundings.”
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A pub with city views: The Southwark Tavern, Borough Market
Though it’s now a popular spot for those craving a chilled pint or seasonal pub dishes after browsing the nearby Borough Market, this beloved British pub once kept people away from the stunning London sights just outside…
Originally a debtor’s prison, The Southwark Tavern now keeps people inside for a different reason. With tempting pub menus and bustling city views to savour, you’ll start to wonder why they ever wanted to leave in the old days.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Centrally located just next to Borough market with a great view over the Shard.”
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A pub with city views: The White Hart, Lambeth
The City of London isn’t all about the hustle and bustle, and The White Hart – resting peacefully on a quaint street corner in Waterloo – knows that better than anyone.
A unique fusion of laid-back vibes and nostalgic influences while also keeping a close eye on London’s trends, this hideaway offers a window into the softer edges of the iconic, fast-paced city.
With charming streets, traditional brickwork, and seasonal pub menus that pair perfectly with the views, make the time to wander down to one of London’s hidden gems. You’ll be glad you did.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Amazing pub! Tucked away from the busy streets in Waterloo, it's a cozy place with a lovely atmosphere.”
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A pub with city and river views: The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich
No, The Gipsy Moth isn’t situated on the River Thames – that’s just the view of the famous Cutty Sark – once one of the world’s fastest ships – that you can see over the top of your favourite pint.
That’s clearly not the case now, but it still makes for an amazing sight when you’re savouring your favourite pub dishes and drinks. There’s even more if you can tear your eyes away from the historic landmark.
Imagine hints of an electric London lifestyle across the Thames, with high-rise buildings dotting distant landscapes. Seas of locals and tourists. The golden edges of a nearby carousel. We would go on, but we have a feeling you’re getting ready to visit with a speed that would make even the Cutty Sark proud…
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Some good views across the river to Canary Wharf from just outside too. The Cutty Sark ship is just outside.”
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A pub with river and sunset views: The Riverside, Bournemouth
It’s not often that you can say you experienced riverside views from both on and off the water when popping to the local for a pint, but that’s exactly what can happen at The Riverside in the cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth.
With serene views of the River Stour and a spacious outdoor dining area ideal for gazing at the sunset over flavoursome pub dishes and eclectic drinks, it’s tempting enough to stay on land, but if you’d prefer to get up-close-and-personal with the sights, you could always hire a boat for the day…
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Most beautiful place with an amazing atmosphere, stunning views.”
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A pub with river views: The Harts Boatyard, Surbiton
Pinch yourself to double-check… No, you’re not dreaming, this riverside dog-friendly pub really is that beautiful. Located on the edge of the River Thames with outside spaces that give you sweeping views of the water, take your time and savour your next real ale, lager, or wine in style.
As you can see, The Harts Boatyard’s warm, wooden interiors are equally as divine, perfectly in-keeping with their gastro-pub menus – like the views, only the best will do, so expect high-end flavours and ingredients inspired by the season.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We come back to this restaurant again and again, both for its views of the river and its great food, which we think is well above average. The views to the river, which can be seen from most of the tables, if not all, faces west, giving some very atmospheric sunsets at any time of the year. Highly recommended.”
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A pub with river views: The Trout Inn, Oxford
When it comes to stunning, 17th-century country pubs with a beer garden that’s overlooking the River Thames, there’s no place quite like The Trout Inn. There’s a reason that everyone from Lewis Carroll and Rosamund the Fair to King Henry II has visited, and this stunning pub even featured in three episodes of Colin Dexter’s ‘Inspector Morse’.
Not only that, but their mouth-watering pub dishes are equally mesmerising, especially when paired with real ales, lagers, and wines. So, sit back, look out over the river, and enjoy a moment of waterside me-time. It’s what Inspector Morse would want, we like to think.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A beautiful and picturesque perfect local pub. We visited recently for a lunch, the price was great for the quality and quantity. Great view across the river and surrounding area. Definitely a place to visit if your local or new to Oxford.”
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A pub with seaside views (almost!): Sixty Million Postcards, Bournemouth
Okay, so Sixty Million Postcards may not actually have seaside views from our pub, but we think you’ll forgive us when you get here... For starters, we really are only a short stroll from Bournemouth Beach, and you’ll still find that there’s plenty of eye candy at ours, from our eye-catching entrance and colourful beer garden to our postcard-adorned walls.
We may have been born as a place to help an overwhelmed post office in 2006, but now we’re the go-spot for mouth-watering seasonal pub dishes and an eclectic selection of drinks by the sea. And let’s not forget our live music on Wednesdays, live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, and a brain-teasing pub quiz on Saturdays.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Beautiful hidden gem… Few mins walk from the beach, oozes character and charm. Great value for money. A must pit-stop after a long day sunning it.”
A pub with seaside views: The Cliff, Poole
Can you imagine stopping in for a morning coffee after strolling along the stunning Canford Cliffs Beach of Poole, or looking out over the sea while enjoying a classic pub lunch and a craft tipple? That’s what you’ll find waiting for you at The Cliff.
As beautiful as those beach views are, expect to be distracted by the equally enchanting interiors of this luxurious pub, making your day a little more delicious and a lot more colourful. Only moments from multiple beaches and family-friendly attractions like Splashdown water park, this is one seaside escape with something for everyone.
What the locals are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The food here is simply divine and the atmosphere is second-to-none. Even in the winter, what with the snugs, new interior, blazing open fire, this is the place to be.
Summertime is even better; beer garden that is a sun-trap, cocktails and a perfect array of lager/beers on draught. A 30-second walk to the UK’s best beaches. I definitely recommend booking the restaurant in advance so you won’t be disappointed!”
Ready to book a meal with a view?
Dining out with a view really is the ultimate luxury, and you’re only one tap away from making it reality. If you have a few other requirements for the perfect experience, like needing a dog-friendly pub or gorgeous gastro-pub dishes, hit the button below, specify your dream destination, and we’ll set the scene…