The best beer gardens in Hitchin and St. Albans

When the sun comes out, there’s no better place to be than in a beer garden with a cold drink in hand and a plate piled high with BBQ. Lucky for you, both Craft & Cleaver venues – St Albans and Hitchin – boast their own al-fresco areas, ready and waiting for long, lazy afternoons and lively evenings. Each one accommodates 50 butts on seats, giving you plenty of space to kick back with your crew when the sun is doing its thing.

Sunshine + BBQ + Beer = Bliss

Let’s be honest: a beer garden is only as good as what’s on your plate and in your glass. And luckily here at Craft & Cleaver, we take both seriously.

First up – the BBQ. We’re talking low-and-slow smoked burnt ends that fall apart with a nudge of your fork, sticky baby back pork ribs that leave you gloriously messy, or chopped brisket and blue cheese tater tots that could probably qualify as a meal on their own. Every dish is smoked fresh on-site, bringing you a proper slice of authentic American barbecue without the long-haul flight, and that annoying person behind kicking the back of your seat.

Then there’s the beer. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just after something cold and crisp, we’ve got you covered. Our ever-changing tap list means you’ll always find a stellar line-up of IPAs, lagers, and stouts, along with a few local gems. Prefer a cocktail? Our house-mixed drinks hit the spot – whether you’re after something boozy and bold, or fruity and refreshing. And if you’re feeling a little mischievous, grab a Pickleback – a shot of bourbon chased with our house-made pickle liquor. It’s a Craft & Cleaver rite of passage, after all.

Two Beer Gardens, One BBQ Dream

While both of our venues bring their own unique vibe, they share the same essentials: top-notch BBQ, flowing drinks, and beer gardens designed for good times.

St Albans: Just off Catherine Street, our St Albans spot offers a tucked-away beer garden with a welcoming, laid-back vibe. It’s perfect for post-work pints, weekend catchups, or simply soaking up them rays with a coffee and a book. With enough space for 50 people, you can easily gather your mates or grab a quiet corner for yourself.

Hitchin: Over in Hitchin, at 17 Bancroft, the beer garden brings the same easy-going energy, with plenty of room to stretch out, sip, and savour. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, nursing a hangover with some BBQ therapy, or simply making the most of a sunny day, this is the place to do it.

All-Weather Vibes

Because this is the UK and the sun doesn’t always play ball, both beer gardens are prepped for unpredictable weather. We’ve got cover and outdoor heaters to keep you toasty when the temperature drops.

Your New Summer HQ

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, drink, and make the most of the sunshine, the beer gardens at Craft & Cleaver St Albans and Hitchin have you covered—literally and figuratively. With seating for 50 at each location, killer BBQ, and an ever-rotating craft beer selection, they’re the perfect hangout spots for sunny weekends, spontaneous pints, or long-overdue get-togethers.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your shades, round up your crew, and head down to one of our beer gardens. Cold drinks, hot BBQ, and good vibes are guaranteed.