five places to go al fresco

Boswell Bridge Hotel, Mansionhouse Road, Glasgow, 0141-632 9812 A welcome change from the usual soulless city bar, this place boasts a welcoming atmosphere and tremendously efficient service. The bar menu is of the snacky fast food variety, with burgers, chilli and fish dishes featuring prominently. Grab a bench out back in the cosy wee beer garden, and contemplate life over a pint, a fairly economical experience at just #1.91.

The Church on the Hill (pictured above), Algie Street, Glasgow, 0141-649 5189 Scoring top points for atmosphere, this bar/ restaurant is housed in the former Langside free church. Sunny days show it off to its best advantage, when the stained glass windows are lit up, while the tables in the beer garden beckon. The menu includes "a little bit of everything" (think nouvelle European), while pints start at around #2.20.

Goblin Ha Hotel, Main Street, Gifford, 01620 810244.

Father and son team Douglas and Max Muir have perfected the cosy village atmosphere in this hotel bar, just 20 miles from Edinburgh. There's a good selection of house wines, perfect for washing down the quality pub grub on offer. The beer garden combines city with country, while there's an adjoining garden and three fun-filled play areas to keep the little 'uns amused.

Hunting Lodge Hotel, High Street, Falkland, Fife, 01337 857226.

Located just across the road from Falkland palace, this place is tourist-central in the summer months. The food is of the traditional variety, with stalwarts such as 80/- ale steak pie, haddock, haggis and macaroni cheese, while prices aren't designed to rip-off vulnerable visitors. The main attraction, though, has to be the generous beer garden which sees locals and tourists alike jostling for space.

Pear Tree House, West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, 0131-667 7533 As one of few city centre pubs boasting a beer garden (although of the concrete variety), the Pear Tree is always stowed out in summer. The food is great value which, together with its close proximity to Edinburgh Uni, makes it a favourite spot for students.

Claire Prentice

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