Pub perfection: the best local spots to drink, dine and relax this summer

A British summer rarely offers us golden beaches, blistering heatwaves, and a plethora of ocean activities, however, what it will never fail to bring is a good old pub. Lounging in a beer garden with friends in temperatures of double figures, sipping on your third Aperol spritz, even though it is only 6 pm, with the football on in the background is one of life’s greatest pleasures – and how most Brits spend their summer evenings each year. As a former social secretary, it is safe to say that I have had my fair share of pub adventures across campus and Leamington. As the weather is finally warming up and exams are over, after purely scientific analysis, I have compiled a list of the best pubs across the local area. These results are in no particular order and are based on location, affordability, food and drink variety, activities, and general vibes.

Surely a pub ranking list cannot be written without the master of sticky carpets, cheap pints, and general sweaty aura: Wetherspoons

The Old Library
Perhaps not the most affordable option, but most definitely my personal favourite, The Old Library, located just next to Parish Church, offers everything a British pub should: regular sports showings on televisions, a vast array of seating, all the classic pub beverages, and most importantly, the best beer garden in Leamington. Fairy lights dotting the walls and heated lamps warm the atmosphere and distract you from the fact it’s been pouring, and all the benches are wet. No matter the day of the week, The Old Lib is a hot spot for Warwick students and Leamington locals, so you’ll be sure to bump into someone you know, even if it is against your will. Regardless, The Old Lib is the perfect place for a gossip and catch-up with friends over a well-deserved pint.

The Benjamin Satchwell
Surely a pub ranking list cannot be written without the master of sticky carpets, cheap pints, and general sweaty aura: Wetherspoons. I have often wandered through The Benjamin Satchwell wondering how I was once again convinced to go there after promising myself a night in to revise. The drinks are cheap, the service is (mostly) quick, you’ll always manage to find a chair to squeeze onto, and it is smack bang in the middle of Leamington, with all clubs at your disposal – what more could you possibly ask for?

Dirty Duck
For those less willing to travel to Leamington for a pint and are understandably too scared to venture anywhere in Coventry, our very own Dirty Duck at the University of Warwick has so much to offer. With various events throughout the week, including karaoke and a pub quiz, the Duck is conveniently located on central campus and has delicious, affordable lunch and dinner options. Its outside seating area is beyond lush in warm weather with a gorgeous natural view and is overall a key hot spot for anyone looking to reward themselves after a long day on campus (aka you went to one lecture at 2pm and want to treat yourself).

Murphy’s
Tucked away on a small corner in north Leamington, Murphy’s is a true hidden gem and offers plenty of surprises. Fancy singing some karaoke off a tiny television above the bar or clambering down a rickety spiral staircase to the basement to play some pool? Then this is most definitely the place for you. The staff at Murphy’s are always incredibly friendly, providing excellent service and a fair share of delicious British cuisine.

T-Bar may not be able to offer the cheapest drinks on campus, but it most definitely offers the best vibes

T-Bar
The view from our campus’ classiest establishment, T-Bar, is truly not one to miss. Whether you are basking in the afternoon sun or catching some fresh air before yet another evening of Pop, the T-Bar balcony holds some of my fondest university memories. Chatting and laughing with friends over a slightly overpriced pint while watching Warwick Salsa dazzle us on the Piazza, shouting over the Big Screen which never seems to sleep, squeezing yourself between tables to claim a space to watch Eurovision even though it doesn’t start for another four hours, or enjoying the groove of RnB and Hip Hop throwbacks at their weekly Juicy event – T-Bar may not be able to offer the cheapest drinks on campus, but it most definitely offers the best vibes.

It is fair to conclude that Warwick’s campus and Leamington offer a multitude of pubs and gardens to enjoy this summer. There are hidden gems around every corner, and plenty more that I have not yet mentioned, so be sure to explore them all. Even if you’re not drinking, every pub will have a friendly atmosphere and space to catch up with friends. As I discovered while doing Dry January, Fifteen, which is just opposite Neon in Leamington, offered me three shots of water for free so I didn’t feel left out during a friend’s birthday pub crawl – there truly is something for everyone!