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‘Best beer garden’ divides punters despite ‘perfect views’ of stunning blue lake
Pub beer gardens make for the perfect setting on balmy days in the UK – but the Waggon and Horses Inn comes with an incredible view that would blow most out of the water
You can’t go wrong with a pie and pint in your local pub, and it tastes even better when the sun is shining.
As the sun beams down this Bank Holiday weekend, Brits will be out in droves, headed for their nearest beer garden to make the most of the warm weather.
While some are walled-in and cramped spaces, one hidden gem blows most beer gardens out of the water with its incredible views.
With its Yorkshire stone walls and old-fashioned interior, the Waggon and Horses Inn, located on the A616 near Penistone on the northeast edge of the Peak District, might just look like any old traditional boozer from the main road.
But when you head out the back, you’re met with stunning panoramic views of an expansive reservoir that lies just below.
With blue waters surrounded by rolling green hills, Langsett Reservoir is the biggest supply reservoir in Sheffield and has one of the largest earth embankments in the UK.
To take in the grand scenery, The Waggon has plenty of picnic benches to choose from in the spacious garden.
On weekends, you’ll find a constant stream of bikers, families, and walkers stopping off at the pub for a deserved rest after exploring the surrounding area of beauty.
They are famous for their homemade pies – from chicken, leak and bacon to a vegan offering with jackfruit.
Each piping hot shortcrust pie comes with either chips and mushy peas or a garnish of mushy peas and pickled red cabbage – and you can even order them to take away.
And on Sundays, they serve a roast beef Sunday dinner with all the trimmings.
Meals will set you back around £14 each, which has seen some visitors on TripAdvisor argue that the menu is too pricey.
Dogs are more than welcome, with plenty of water bowls available to keep them hydrated after a walk around the reservoir.
The circular walk is on flat terrain and therefore suits any type of walker.
Around 3.5 miles, the route passes through woodland, which sees the footpath alongside the water lined with towering trees.
When you walk across the impressive embankment, you can get a closer look at the castle-like turret seen from the pub, and the peaceful water, where geese and baby ducks can be spotted swimming.
If you are wanting a more strenuous walk, about halfway around there are options to go up onto the moors, where you can then climb up Mickleden Edge – which leads to Margery Hill and the picturesque Derwent Valley below the other side.
The family-owned village inn, which dates back to 1809 and is a Grade II listed building, is the perfect base for exploring the edge of Pennine Yorkshire and the surrounding Peaks.
It has its own car park with lots of space available or visitors can park for free just down the road in the Langsett Barn car park.
“Once people discover the Waggon & Horses at Langsett they are hooked on this cosy non-pretentious inn on the edge of the Peak District moors,” the pub’s website says.
Many reviewing the pub on TripAdvisor have said they’ll return, with one writing: “This is a gem of a pub, will definitely be coming back!”
Another wrote: “What a fantastic location! The beer garden is perfect and overlooks the reservoir which I bet is lovely at sunset. The actual building is so nicely kept and is timeless inside…”
“Great views from the beer garden on sunny days,” said a third.
A fourth reviewer summed up their trip as: “Brilliant pies, great service, lovely setting.”
However, some punters were not impressed, claiming the pub’s decor was somewhat run-down and that the menu was on the pricey side.
One unhappy visitor said: “Would rather go fishing in the reservoir than eat their watery fish pie again.”
Another customer from Sheffield wrote: “Overall decent food but expensive and rip off drinks prices.”
While one more disgruntled reviewer bluntly described their visit as: “Food expensive for what on offer and premises generally in need of refurbishment and or good clean … I won’t be back.”
Where is your favourite beer garden with incredible views? Let us know all about it.
