Best waterside pubs along Britain's rivers perfect for sunny weekends

More scorching sunny days are on the way, which means now is the time to plot out a perfect afternoon in a pub garden.

After a miserably wet start to the summer, June has turned into an absolute scorcher. The Met Office declared the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday (June 21) afternoon as Charlwood in Surrey reached 33.2C. Since then, the sweltering heat has dropped off a little as figures hovered around a more bearable low to mid-20s today (June 23). However, the blisteringly hot days and sticky nights in bed look like they will soon return.

According to a weather map by WXCharts, which uses Met Desk data, temperatures will have creeped back up to 30C by 6pm on Monday, June 30. Surrounding counties, including Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire and Berkshire, will still enjoy temperatures around 28C to 29C.

Ahead of the sizzling weather, boat hire firm Drifters- which offers over 500 boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Scotland and Wales - has put together its list of the best river and canalside pubs in the country.

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1. The Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank in Shropshire

You can reach this popular watering hole on the Llangollen Canal on a short break from Chirk, Trevor or Blackwater Meadow. Also known as The Trap, the historic Bridge Inn is on the 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and has views of the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct.

2. The Boat Inn, Gnosall in Staffordshire

This traditional family run pub on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal can be reached on a short break from Brewood. It has a patio area overlooking the canal and is renowned for its homemade pies and fish and chips.

3. The Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford in Warwickshire

Famous for its pies, this 17th century country pub in the pretty village of Lowsonford, has extensive gardens alongside the Stratford Canal. Boaters can reach it on a short break from Wootton Wawen.

4. The Plume of Feathers, Barlaston in Staffordshire

Co-owned by the actor Neil Morrissey, this popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal offers homemade food and locally brewed beers. There’s an outdoor dining area overlooking the canal and boaters can reach it on a short break from Stoke-on-Trent or Great Haywood.

5. The Cutter Inn, Ely in Cambridgeshire

Boaters can reach this popular riverside pub on the Great River Ouse to the east of Ely on a short break from Drifters canal boat hire base at Ely. The Cutter Inn has an outdoor terrace for al fresco drinking and dining with excellent river views.

6. The Dundas Arms, Kintbury in Berkshire

This traditional country pub and hotel on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal can be reached on a short break from Aldermaston. It has a large waterside beer garden, perfect for summertime al fresco drinking and dining.

7. The Bridge Inn, Ratho in Midlothian

This historic pub and hotel on the banks of the Union Canal near Edinburgh can be reached on a short break from Falkirk. There’s a dining terrace overlooking the canal, and home-grown fruit and vegetables are served from the pub’s walled garden.

8. The Hollybush Inn, Denford in Staffordshire

Converted from an old flour mill, the Hollybush Inn on the Caldon Canal at Denford serves homemade food, award winning ales and has a large canalside garden overlooking the Staffordshire Moorlands. Canal boat holiday-makers can reach the Hollybush Inn on a week-long break from Stoke-on-Trent.